Like any commodity, steel is subject to the economic realities of supply and demand. When demand for steel products is high and customers are chasing a limited supply, the prices will go up to balance the demand, eventually bringing both demand and price back down to a reasonable level. When the supply is abnormally high, and excess steel is collecting dust on retailer’s shelves, the price will drop until demand picks back up. Like any other commodity, the prices of steel can fluctuate by the month, week, day or even the hour. If you find a good price on steel while planning a project, it may be a good idea to get as much as possible at the lower price.