Continued economic and geopolitical volatility have pushed glass and metal companies to raise prices in recent weeks. The increases come as tariffs, international conflicts and a dip in construction spending hamper operations. These factors collide with increased construction costs, as year-over-year material prices for non-residential construction accelerate, particularly for metal products, as noted by recent economic data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Due to the rising cost to manufacture, fabricate and supply architectural glass and metals, several companies are notifying customers that price hikes are in the works. In a notification to customers, Blue Star Architectural Glass announced a 16% energy surcharge after it received updated energy surcharge notifications from its glass suppliers. Company officials say that energy surcharges are a “calculation of natural gas, diesel fuel and freight costs, which have been volatile in recent months.”
That volatility is mostly due to mounting geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, spurred by the war in Iran. The conflicts have caused gas prices to increase by roughly $1 per gallon compared to February 2026, according to The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. The Institute notes that the South has experienced the highest monthly increases, and if the price increases remain, American drivers will pay an extra $9.4 billion per month for gasoline.
Rising metal prices are also culpable for recent cost increases throughout the architectural glass and metal industries. The increased cost of aluminum led Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope (OBE) to recently announce a 10% adjustment to all existing multipliers, effective April 20, 2026. The CRU Group states that aluminum prices have increased by 10% since the Iran war started in February after attacks on aluminum smelters and the closure of the Straight of Hormuz. The increase is on top of the 50% tariff that businesses have been paying on imported metals.
“We continue to take every step to negotiate competitive costs and streamline operations to deliver the best possible value for our aluminum products,” reads an OBE statement to customers. “Quotes issued prior to April 20 will remain valid for 30 days under their original terms. All quotes issued on or after April 20 will reflect the updated multiples and follow standard quote terms.”
Fenzi, an international specialist in sealants, spacers and coatings for glass, also alerted customers that a price list adjustment is expected in the coming weeks. Company officials say the increases are due to pressures on materials, energy and logistics due to the war in Iran.
A notice released by Fenzi states that tensions in the Middle East have caused major disruptions across global supply chains. The disruptions have led to increased energy, logistics and raw material costs used across industries connected to the glass sector, such as polymers, solvents, resins, plasticizers, plastics and precious metals.
“We are operating in an extremely volatile international environment, marked by strong pressure on raw material costs and uncertainty in supply chains,” says Alessandro Fenzi, CEO of the Fenzi Group. “As in every critical phase faced throughout our 85-year history, we remain committed to ensuring operational continuity and high quality for our customers. However, the exceptional nature of the current situation requires a significant price adjustment.”