Steel prices are riding a roller coaster. Last year on September 1 they were roughly $1,900/ton. This year? $790/ton.

But some say we are nearing a bottom. And here's why:

• Many steel mills announced price increases in August to help stabilize the market

• The price gap between foreign and domestic steel is closing, making imports less appealing

In the week ending on September 10, about 1.7 million tons of steel was produced. That's down from about 1.8 million tons at this last year.

Part of that dip comes from utilization rates being under 80% for the first time in a year.

Time for a health check the Texas economy...

According to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, activity across manufacturing, service, and retail all trending downward across the state in August.

They pointed to rising prices and labor challenges. In particular, supply chain issues are continuing to plague manufacturing:

• 71% of those surveyed said they are experiencing supply chain disruptions or delays.

• 20% don't expect those conditions to improve until next year.

• Roughly 51% believe it should improve within 7-12 months.

Roughly 51% believe it should improve within 7-12 months.

And here's something fun:

More than 180 million barrels of beer were produced 2021, according to data from Statista.

That's about 1 million trucks moving beer from production facilities to distributors.

And the Texas Department of Transportation is planning $85 billion in roadway construction projects as part of the 2023 Unified Transportation Program.

So that could mean smoother roads ahead! And perhaps some new metal work coming your way!