US steel and polymer producers rode a wave of soaring prices for their products in 2021 as the economy roared back from the coronavirus pandemic and construction activity boomed. The hot building market brought with it an uptick in demand for steel and polymers. But the fun couldn't last forever. Rising interest rates are tamping down inflation, and the construction industry is feeling the pain. S&P Global Commodity Insights global polymer lead Kristen Hays and US metal news editor Nick Lazzaro dive into recent trends in US construction activity, and how the price swings in polymer and steel markets illustrate that after two red-hot years, the economy might be finally cooling down. Subscribe to Platts Dimensions Pro for access to assessments and premium content covering US hot-rolled coil (STHRI00), US polyvinyl chloride (AAGZR00), and much more.