# Steel Prices Slowing Barge Construction - The Waterways Journal

> Steel prices have surged since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, slowing new barge construction as builders wait for clarity. Nickel trading on the London Metal Exchange was halted after prices soared. The article notes Russia and Ukraine are major exporters of steel, wheat, vegetable oil and fertilizer.

- Date: 2022-03-18 · published 2022-03-18T12:00:00.000Z
- Category: logistics · region US · magnitude low
- Page: https://feedsoft.ai/events/42464-steel-prices-slowing-barge-construction-the-waterways-journal
- Commodities: [Barge Freight (St. Louis)](https://feedsoft.ai/c/BARGE.md)

## Why it matters

Fewer new barges over time could tighten inland river capacity and support freight rates. The near-term grain price effect is indirect, as the steel cost story mainly affects fleet supply.

## Read by commodity

- BARGE: bullish ▲

## Sources

- waterwaysjournal.net: https://www.waterwaysjournal.net/2022/03/18/steel-prices-slowing-barge-construction/

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Data from Feedsoft AI (https://feedsoft.ai/). For information only; not investment advice.