Procurement Market Intelligence Report
Barrels & Drums
Sourcing Guide & Market Intelligence
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Barrels & Drums Global Overview
Definition
Summary
Barrels and drums are used to store, transport, and contain a variety of goods, including water-based substances, oils, and hazardous materials. Barrels and drums are primarily made of metal, specifically steel and aluminum, but are also available in polyethylene, which is a type of plastic resin. Wholesalers, manufacturers, and retailers sell barrels and drums, and key buyers come from the industrial and construction sectors.
This Report Includes:
- Barrels
- Drums
Not in this Report:
- Cans
- Pails
- Bins
- Baskets
Global Barrels & Drums Procurement Trends
Discover the top international trends affecting procurement in the global Barrels & Drums market.
Warning Trends
Reciprocal tariffs drive up packaging product prices
- The Trump administration’s reciprocal tariffs, which apply general tariff rate increases to all products imported from most nations, are set to take effect on August 7 after the national tariff rates were finalized on August 1. Additionally, 50.0% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, except those from the United Kingdom, went into effect in June.
- These tariffs will have a significant effect across the packaging industry as the United States imports a combined total of more than $127 billion worth of plastic, steel, and lumber annually, the three most common materials in packaging products.
- Leading packaging product importers include Canada, Mexico, and China, which face tariff rates of 35.0%, 25.0%, and 20.0%, respectively, with the Chinese import tariff rate set to rise to 54.0% in August. However, United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA)-originating goods, meaning those produced entirely in Canada or Mexico, are exempt from these tariffs.
- China accounts for 48.6% of imported plastic products in the United States, making current and upcoming tariffs on Chinese goods particularly impactful for the price of plastic packaging materials, which the Yale Budget Lab projects will rise in price by 11.0%.
- Likewise, Canada and Mexico provide a combined 51.6% of lumber imports, driving a 6.8% increase in the price of wooden products. Steel and aluminum tariffs are projected to fuel a 39.2% increase in the cost of metal packaging products on average.
United States announces new tariffs on all imported steel
- In February 2025, the United States announced 25.0% tariffs on all imported steel with no exemptions or exceptions. The tariffs took effect on March 12, 2025. On June 4th, these tariffs were increased further to 50%. These tariffs were not impacted by a recent court decision that temporarily suspended duties on certain goods as they were implemented under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act.
- Previously, countries such as Canada, Mexico, and Brazil, the top exporters of steel to the United States, had exemptions from tariffs. These have now been removed and all imported steel, regardless of origin, will be subject to the 50.0% tariff. However, on May 8th, the US announced an agreement with the United Kingdom to remove all levies on steel exported from the UK.
- When tariffs on steel imports were introduced in March 2018, they contributed to an increase in the price of steel and steel products. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the price of steel-milled products increased by 10.2% in the year after the tariffs were implemented. This market heavily relies on steel as an input and may be impacted by this policy.
United States announces new tariffs on all imported aluminum
- In February 2025, the United States announced 25.0% tariffs on all imported aluminum with no exemptions or exceptions. The tariffs took effect on March 12, 2025. On June 4th, these tariffs were increased further to 50%. These tariffs were not impacted by a recent court decision that temporarily suspended duties on certain goods as they were implemented under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act.
- Previously, countries such as Canada and Mexico, two of the top exporters of aluminum to the United States, had exemptions from tariffs and the rate was only 10.0%. These have now been removed and all imported aluminum, regardless of origin, will be subject to the 50.0% tariff.
- When tariffs on imported aluminum were implemented in March 2018, aluminum prices rose modestly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), prices rose 1.2% in the year after the tariffs were introduced. Because this market relies on aluminum as an input, it may be impacted by this policy.
Global Barrels & Drums Market - Suppliers by Region
| Country/Region | Number of Suppliers |
|---|---|
| #1 Europe | 3,000 |
| #2 China | 2,350 |
| #3 India | 1,705 |
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2
Geography Drilldown - US
Average Cost of Barrels & Drums
United States
2026 Market Pricing$25.00 to $X,XXX.XX
per 55-gallon steel containerAverage Price
Prices in the Barrels & Drums market range from $25.00 to $X,XXX.XX, depending on Material, Capacity, Head type and Lining. For example, lower prices are associated with Plastic ($10.00 to $125 per 55-gallon plastic container), whereas higher prices are associated with Stainless steel ($30.00 to $600 per 55-gallon steel container).
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Between our Europe and Canada collections, we provide price data for 350 markets so you can instantly compare prices across borders. Or, use our custom research services for intel on prices in any region across the globe.
Barrels & Drums Category Price Trends
Pricing trends are indicated by the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during a set period of time. For the Barrels & Drums market, prices in the US have declined -2.0% from 2022 to 2025. Subscribers can access price trend forecasts, price driver projections and forward-looking cost structure data. Learn more
United States (2022-2025)
United States (2025-2028)
Compound Annual Growth Rate
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Price trend forecasts are available to subscribers, along with price driver projections and forward-looking cost structure data.
Cost Analysis - Total Cost of Ownership for Barrels & Drums
Total cost of ownership is Low in the Barrels & Drums market. The average cost of ownership differs depending on the contract but generally includes costs negotiated before the contract begins, costs billed during the contract period and unforeseen costs. For example, unforeseen costs in the form of Delays may raise the total cost of ownership unexpectedly.
Negotiated Before
Customization
Transportation
Unforeseen
Delays
Buyer Power in Procurement Negotiations
In 2026, buyer power amounts to -1.6 in the United States. Buyer power is most positively impacted by Recent Developments. It is most negatively impacted by Recent Price Trend. Subscribers can access details on eight other factors that impact buyer power. Learn more
United States
Buyer power forecasts: your glimpse into the future
Develop strategies for the upcoming year and identify unforeseen opportunities for buying now
- Actionable "Buy Now" and "Buy Later" insights
- Near-real-time updates to current and forecast Buyer Power Scores
- Methodology and weightings for Buyer Power Score Components
Supply Chain Risk
The average level of supply chain risk is assessed as Very High, which has a negative impact on buyer power. The level of supply chain risk is affected by industry volatility, barriers to entry, competition, import penetration, regulation and industry financial risk. Buyers in this market can mitigate procurement and supply chain management risks by monitoring risk levels for individual first and second tier suppliers:
1st
Tier Suppliers
- Iron & Steel Manufacturers
- Aluminum Manufacturers
- Plastic & Resin Manufacturers
2nd
Tier Suppliers
- Iron Ore Miners
- Gasoline & Petroleum Wholesalers
Biggest Barrels & Drums Suppliers in the US by Revenue
The largest Barrels & Drums vendors by revenue in the US are Kaplan Container Inc., System Inc. and W.W. Grainger, Inc. Subscribers can sort and filter by market share concentration, profit level and other factors. Learn more
| Supplier | Operational Size | Headquarters | Number of Employees | Market Share (%) | Market Share Performance (3yr trend) | Total Revenue ($ million) | Profit Level (%) | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W.W. Grainger, Inc. | Global | LAKE FOREST | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Greif Inc. | Global | DELAWARE | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Mauser S.R.L. | Global | Oak Brook, IL | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Uline, Inc. | International | Pleasant Prairie, WI | 1,001-10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| US Plastic Corp. | International | Lima, OH | 51-100 | < 5 | ||||
| System Inc. | National | PORT WASHINGTON | 1,001-10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Northern Tool & Equipment Co. | National | Burnsville, MN | 1,001-10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Kaplan Container Inc. | International | Rochester, NY | 25-50 | < 5 | ||||
| ENPAC LLC | Global | Eastlake, OH | 101-250 | < 5 | ||||
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Profit Analysis
The average profit margin across vendors in the Barrels & Drums market is 3.1% and steady. Profit levels shift depending on suppliers' spend on wages, purchases and overhead. The highest cost component for vendors is Purchases. The cost trend for this component is rising, when considering movement between 2025 and 2026. To understand cost forecasts for 2027 and uncover the implications on profit, start your subscription. Learn more
Vendor & Supply Chain Analysis
This market’s low level of concentration makes it competitive, which benefits buyers because it hinders price growth. Additionally, a high level of competition provides buyers with an array of suppliers from which to choose, enabling them to easily find a supplier that fits their needs.
Low vendor risk benefits buyers by ensuring reliable supply and reducing potential disruptions.
Though supply chain risk is unlikely to affect the supply of the main components and raw materials necessary for barrel and drum production, it may impact the prices buyers ultimately pay.
As the United States is a net importer of metal containers, buyers can effectively leverage the option of sourcing from an international supplier against a domestic supplier. However, the recent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports have significantly increased the cost of imported metal containers, diminishing the cost advantage of international sourcing for these products.
Supplier Information
ENPAC LLC
ENPAC LLC is a private company operating globally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include barrels & drums. Founded in 1988, the company is currently headquartered in Eastlake, Ohio, United States of America with an estimated 175 employees. Subscribe to learn more
Greif Inc.
Greif, Inc. is a global producer of industrial packaging products and services. It produces and sells containerboard, corrugated sheets, corrugated containers, and other corrugated products, coated recycled paperboard and uncoated recycled paperboard, recycled fiber, adhesives, and services, including container... Subscribe to learn more
Kaplan Container Inc.
Kaplan Container Inc. is a private company operating internationally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include barrels & drums. Founded in 1925, the company is currently headquartered in Rochester, New York, United States of America with an estimated 37 employees. Subscribe to learn more
Mauser S.R.L.
Mauser S.R.L. is a private company operating globally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include barrels & drums. Founded in 1870, the company is currently headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, United States of America with an estimated 10000 employees. Subscribe to learn more
Northern Tool & Equipment Co.
Northern Tool & Equipment Co. is a private company operating nationally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include platform lifts, portable concrete mixers, welding machines, pallet trucks, industrial trucks. Founded in 1981, the company is currently headquartered in Burnsville, Minnesota,... Subscribe to learn more
Skolnik Industries Inc.
Skolnik Industries Inc. is a private company operating globally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include barrels & drums and hazardous waste containers. Founded in 1907, the company is currently headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, United States of America with an estimated 175 employees.... Subscribe to learn more
System Inc.
Global Industrial Co. is a distributor of over a million industrial and maintenance, repair, and operation (MRO) products in North America under the Global™, GlobalIndustrial.com™, Nexel™, Paramount™, and Interion™ trademarks. Its product categories include storage and shelving, safety and security, carts... Subscribe to learn more
The Cary Company
The Cary Company is a private company operating globally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include barrels & drums. Founded in 1895, the company is currently headquartered in Addison, Illinois, United States of America with an estimated 96 employees. Subscribe to learn more
Uline, Inc.
Uline, Inc. is a private company operating internationally in the manufacturing, manufacturing and manufacturing sectors. The company's offerings include personal paper products, paper towels, receipt tape, paper cups, newsprint & offset papers. Founded in 1980, the company is currently headquartered in Pleasant... Subscribe to learn more
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Procurement Management KPIs for the Barrels & Drums Market
Managing vendor performance throughout the contract period is easier when tracking specific key performance indicators (KPIs). For example, buyers should monitor Average Order Value and Current Ratio (Assets/Liabilities). Buyers may experience better performance throughout their contracts if they establish service level agreements (SLAs) based on Quality Assurance and other factors.
| KPI | Level of Importance (1-5) | Measurements | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Order Value |
|
Total revenue Number of orders |
The average order value represents the revenue generated from the average order. The average order value can be used to assess a company’s ability to provide large volumes of product. |
| Current Ratio (Assets/Liabilities) |
|
Current assets Current liabilities |
The current ratio represents a company’s liquidity. The current ratio can be used to determine a company’s ability to utilize its current assets to satisfy its current liabilities. |
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Questions to Ask During Procurement Negotiations
How can I gain leverage during negotiations?
Competition
How long have you been in the barrel and drum market?
How do your products differ from your competitors'?
Product Lines
What different barrels and drums do you offer (e.g. volume capacity, material, type)?
Do you have clients in my industry or clients that have the same intended use of the barrels and drums?
Supplier Size
What size and type of buyer does your company typically supply barrels and drums to?
How experienced is your company with supplying the type and specifications of barrels and drums I require?
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Barrels & Drums RFP Guidelines
What should my RFP include?
Organizational Overview
Buyers should provide an overview of their business and describe their general use of barrels and drums within the scope of their operations.
Buyers should specify the typical amount of goods handled in their barrels and drums.
Statement Of Need
Buyers should provide capacities, specifications and quantity of barrels and drums required.
Buyers should list the specific services that are and are not included within the scope of the contract.
Project Budget
Buyers should specify their budget for each individual barrel and drum as well as a total budget including costs for labor, maintenance and any additional parts.
Buyers should break down their total budget based on per hour service rates.
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Our Reports include:
- Opportunity assessment
- Market dynamics
- Recent developments
- Positive and warning trends
- Buyer power levers
- Price environment and market pricing
- Geographic wage rates
- Global market updates
- Total cost of ownership
- Cost structure benchmarks and analysis
- Supply chain and vendors
- Global supplier breakdown
- Market share concentration
- Regulation and business requirements
- Vendor management and KPIs
- Sourcing strategy guidance
