(Tungsten) carbide prices

[jstell]

It's just like RAM or graphics cards

The difference is pretty significant.  With computer stuff it's mostly a demand side problem because of AI/data center demand.  Yes there are some supply side pressures because China has a large portion of other precious metal resources.  But with Tungsten there isn't a huge spike in demand, with maybe some pressure to replenish this administration's expenditures folly in Iran.  Tungsten is a purposeful, unilateral supply side problem created by China, largely to squeeze US (and other Western) manufacturing and military supply chains.  It's the manufacturing equivalent of blocking the Strait of Hormuz, except pinching 80% of world supply instead of 20%.

https://nzxt.com/blogs/news/why-is-ram-so-expensive-right-now?srsltid=AfmBOooDNPQMq0TZFV7m730YqaUmMaOZ0nOIeyRApN71J7pLzAZoAvPa

The current high cost of RAM is driven primarily by soaring AI and data center demand, which has forced manufacturers to prioritize production away from consumer DDR4 and DDR5. This reduced supply has made all memory more expensive for PC builders and system integrators.

https://www.pcmag.com/explainers/why-have-laptop-prices-spiked-this-year-the-great-ram-crunch-explained

[kdg]

Let's not forget copper prices.
$36K for the stock (moldmax hh, ~7x14x22 inches) for the core insert I just finished programming.
More than half the volume of the block will end up as chips. Not what the scrap value is.

[Here's Johnny!]

Got an email from a wood working supply company (Lee Valley)...

"Dear Customer,



So far, this has been a year of tremendous turbulence for all retailers. We have all seen the recent price changes at the gas pumps, but there are many more distortions working their way through the global economy. Our suppliers are increasing prices, telegraphing shortages and extending lead times. As an example, the price of tungsten carbide used in bits and blades has increased more than 600% since January. The warning signs are also flashing on products that contain plastics or have any dependency on the price of oil.



We know that the competition for your attention has increased as every retailer chases after the discretionary spending of cost-conscious consumers. So, what does this all mean for us?

1) You will notice more promotional activity from Lee Valley. While offering discounts has never been our preferred approach, it's become table stakes for participation in today's market.



2) You will see more items become unavailable. We are reviewing the breadth of our inventory, simplifying where appropriate, and ensuring we focus on supporting the core products you have come to depend on us for. When things settle down, we will all be able to loosen our belts again.



3) You will continue to see a focus on quality and utility. The best value for a consumer is always a product that actually gets used and remains useful for a long time.




These do not represent a change in our long-term philosophy, rather an accommodation of current economic realities. We remain committed to offering fair, predictable everyday pricing on our core woodworking and gardening tools, along with the quality, expertise and service that have always defined Lee Valley.



Sincerely,

"