Glass Price Trends: BLS PPI Comparison for Glazing Bids
Estimating commercial glazing, interior partitions, and exterior storefront systems requires tracking the baseline cost of raw materials. When preparing proposals, comparing current glass price benchmarks against past historical markers helps estimators identify whether wholesale prices are stabilizing or climbing toward new highs. This comparison guide evaluates Producer Price Index (PPI) figures published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to help commercial subcontractors and general contractors structure accurate, defensive bids.
Comparing Historical Baselines: Pre-Pandemic to 2026
A reliable way to analyze risk on long-term bids is comparing where prices stand today against multi-year benchmarks. Tracking federal data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Glass PPI series WPU131 illustrates substantial growth across the commodity over several distinct operating periods.
- Pre-Pandemic Baseline (January 2020 vs. September 2026): In January 2020, the index stood at 150.0 (raw value 150.000). By September 2026, the index reached 201.4 (raw value 201.381), representing an overall increase of 34.3%.
- Five-Year Horizon (September 2021 vs. September 2026): Five years prior to the latest release, the index was recorded at 160.5 (raw value 160.488). Comparing September 2021 to September 2026 reveals a net increase of 25.5%.
- Two-Year Horizon (September 2024 vs. September 2026): The index measured 185.6 (raw value 185.556) in September 2024, reflecting an 8.5% rise over the two-year span.
- One-Year Horizon (September 2025 vs. September 2026): In September 2025, the glass index registered at 190.9 (raw value 190.948). Over the subsequent twelve months, prices climbed by 5.5%.
Reviewing these time horizons side by side demonstrates that while annual gains have moderated compared to the sharp multi-year climb since 2020, procurement costs continue to experience steady upward movement.
Short-Term Stability vs. Multi-Year Highs
When assessing near-term storefront bids, subcontractors must balance recent month-to-month changes against the overall data window. Across the entire window from January 2019 to September 2026, the lowest recorded monthly value occurred in March 2019 at 148.6 (raw value 148.600). In contrast, the highest monthly value in that entire window was reached in September 2026 at 201.4 (raw value 201.381).
Because September 2026 represents the pinnacle of the data window, the latest figure sits at +0.0% versus that high. However, short-term movement between the final two reported months was relatively modest: between August 2026 (index level 201.1) and September 2026 (index level 201.4), the month-over-month change measured +0.2%. Glazing estimators should note that the Bureau of Labor Statistics considers recent months preliminary, and monthly data points remain subject to revision for four months after initial publication.
Annual Average Trajectories: Year-by-Year Comparison
Examining annual averages shows the continuous progression of glass commodity pricing year over year:
- 2019: 149.2
- 2020: 151.5
- 2021: 158.5
- 2022: 173.3
- 2023: 182.8
- 2024: 185.4
- 2025: 188.5
- 2026: 200.2 (calculated for January through September only)
Comparing annual averages highlights how the glass commodity shifted from mild variations between 2019 and 2020 into sharper increases starting in 2022, culminating in an average surpassing the 200 mark during the first nine months of 2026.
Comparing the Recent 13-Month Window
Reviewing the consecutive 13-month timeline from September 2025 through September 2026 provides clarity on how pricing developed leading into current bids:
- September 2025: 190.9
- October 2025: 191.3
- November 2025: 191.9
- December 2025: 192.1
- January 2026: 198.9
- February 2026: 199.4
- March 2026: 199.2
- April 2026: 199.5
- May 2026: 200.9
- June 2026: 201.1
- July 2026: 200.7
- August 2026: 201.1
- September 2026: 201.4
This sequential comparison shows that after ending 2025 at 192.1, the index stepped up to 198.9 in January 2026, subsequently hovering between 199.2 and 201.4 through the remainder of the period.
Summary Comparison of Key Glass PPI Benchmarks
The table below summarizes primary index levels from the BLS PPI commodity series WPU131 to assist estimators during bid reviews.
| Benchmark Period | Index Value | Change to Latest (September 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Latest Month (September 2026) | 201.4 | 0.0% |
| One Year Earlier (September 2025) | 190.9 | +5.5% |
| Two Years Earlier (September 2024) | 185.6 | +8.5% |
| Five Years Earlier (September 2021) | 160.5 | +25.5% |
| Pre-Pandemic (January 2020) | 150.0 | +34.3% |
| Window High (September 2026) | 201.4 | +0.0% |
| Window Low (March 2019) | 148.6 | N/A |
Applying Glass Index Comparisons to Commercial Proposals
Commercial subcontractors bidding glazing assemblies, aluminum entrances, and glass partition systems must account for how long supplier pricing commitments remain valid. Because the index reached 201.4 in September 2026—a 34.3% jump over January 2020 levels—relying on older baseline allowances creates substantial exposure. When drafting contract documents, pairing verified quotes with price escalation clauses can help project teams allocate material movement risks fairly.
Furthermore, evaluating specific trade inputs alongside installation requirements, such as those covered in our glaziers labor pricing guide, ensures that both labor and material components are insulated against sudden wholesale adjustments on extended procurement cycles.
Sources
Published November 9, 2026. No affiliate links on this page. Facts come from the sources linked above; check them for updates.