Material Price Forecasts to Watch This Quarter

Every quarter brings fresh challenges—and opportunities—in the building materials market. From commodity price fluctuations to logistics bottlenecks, Canadian suppliers and distributors need to know which materials are most at risk of cost volatility to make proactive decisions.

This blog highlights key material price forecasts for the upcoming quarter and how Buildix ERP equips businesses to track, forecast, and respond in real time.

Why Quarterly Forecasting Matters

Annual forecasts are too static in today’s fast-moving markets. A quarterly approach allows businesses to:

✅ Stay ahead of short-term price surges

✅ Adjust procurement and pricing dynamically

✅ Align inventory levels with anticipated demand shifts

Key Materials to Watch This Quarter

1. Steel and Metals

Global demand from infrastructure projects and energy sector growth is expected to keep steel prices elevated, with potential spikes tied to energy cost volatility.

2. Lumber and Timber

Seasonal construction demand and ongoing supply chain constraints in North America could trigger regional price hikes.

3. Cement and Concrete

Energy price pressures and regional shortages may drive incremental cost increases for cement suppliers.

4. Resins and Plastics

Petrochemical market fluctuations, tied to oil prices and refinery capacity, make resin costs particularly volatile this quarter.

5. Glass and Insulation Materials

Energy-intensive production processes and logistics challenges could affect availability and pricing.

Risks of Not Monitoring Quarterly Trends

Procurement missteps lead to buying at peak prices

Delayed customer pricing adjustments erode margins

Inventory shortages hurt contractor relationships during high-demand periods

How Buildix ERP Tracks Quarterly Material Price Trends

Buildix ERP helps Canadian building material suppliers manage quarter-to-quarter volatility with advanced tools:

Real-Time Market Data

Monitor live updates on key commodities, freight costs, and supplier lead times.

Predictive Analytics for Short-Term Trends

AI models forecast material price movements for the next 3–6 months using global and regional data inputs.

Scenario Planning Tools

Simulate procurement strategies under different pricing and demand scenarios for the quarter.

Dynamic Procurement Scheduling

Adjust order timing and volumes to capitalize on predicted price dips.

Automated Customer Pricing Alignment

Update pricing dynamically to reflect quarterly cost changes and protect margins.

Real-World Example: Staying Ahead of a Resin Price Surge

A distributor in Alberta used Buildix ERP’s quarterly forecasting to anticipate a resin cost increase tied to oil market disruptions. By adjusting procurement early, they secured inventory at pre-spike prices and maintained competitive pricing for their customers.

Strategic Benefits for Canadian Suppliers

Proactive Procurement: Buy ahead of price surges to maximize savings.

Margin Protection: Pass on cost changes efficiently to maintain profitability.

Enhanced Competitiveness: Offer stable pricing while competitors react to volatility.

Smarter Inventory Management: Balance stock levels with predicted demand shifts.

Preparing for 2025 and Beyond

Quarterly forecasting is the new baseline for agility in supply chain management. Buildix ERP gives Canadian suppliers the tools to track material costs and respond to market changes in real time.

Conclusion

Markets shift every quarter—but your business doesn’t have to scramble. With Buildix ERP, suppliers can predict trends, act faster, and stay ahead of cost pressures.

When you forecast quarterly, you plan like a leader.

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