The manufacturing volume of cold-formed steel (CFS) framing materials returned to long-term averages in the Second Quarter of 2022, following near record volumes in Q3 2021 and a sudden pullback in Q1 2022.
According to the latest Quarterly Market Data Report for Q2 2022, also known as the “tonnage report,” released by the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA), total steel stud volume increased 11.2% sequentially (vs. Q1 2022). Total stud volume manufactured included an increase of 12.9% for structural steel studs and 9.1% for nonstructural steel studs over their respective Q1 volumes.
Manufacturers of cold-formed steel framing (CFS) products delivered a 11.2% increase in total tonnage during Q2 2022 versus Q1 2022.
CFS tonnage figures are a leading indicator of non-residential construction demand. The tonnage data and analysis are available for purchase at the SFIA Store.
- Structural products are typically used for load-bearing applications, such as exterior walls, lateral force resisting systems, floors and roofs
- Applications for nonstructural products generally include framing for non-load bearing walls, soffits and backing for architectural finishes
The data in the SFIA Quarterly Market Data Report is collected through an industry-wide survey conducted by the Thompson Research Group (TRG).
The SFIA survey is accompanied by a report containing additional analysis, other pertinent data and the results of surveys of suppliers, manufacturers and contractors providing insights and opinions into factors driving the construction markets and demand for CFS framing products.
“The current non-residential construction outlook is starting to feel a little like the ending of a certain 1960s Spaghetti Western,” says the report for Q2 2022.
“TRG collected feedback from the field, economic data and increasing interest rates are piling up into three distinct economic buckets that are staring each other down,” the report adds. “Two of the buckets are vying to shift non-residential from continued growth while the third is planted on firm ground. TRG’s analysts are chewing their nails wondering how this standoff is going to end.”
Steel Framing Industry Association
The Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) provides its members with exclusive access to technical cold-formed steel (CFS) framing marketing, sustainability and educational services, such as the SFIA Forum series.
SFIA member services include access to market data, market analysis, technical design guides, architectural services, environmental product declarations, CFS certification and more.
Additional Resources
- Steel Framing Provides Benefits to Investors Seeking Greener Buildings
- Economists Project a Busy 2022 for Construction
- Manufacturing Volume of Cold-Formed Steel Framing Products Rose 6% in 2021