Rising Bankruptcy Trends in Metals/Steel

The U.S. metals and steel sector is facing escalating bankruptcies, impacting supply chains and production. BKWire’s daily filings and creditor data help you stay proactive.

How BKwire Protects Your Metal Supply Chain

Suppliers

Spot vulnerable raw material partners early via daily bankruptcy alerts and creditor exposure data, preventing losses from disrupted steel flows.

Producers

Track filings across the supply chain to secure ore and alloy sourcing, enabling swift pivots to alternative vendors and minimizing production halts.

Fabricators

Ensure processing continuity with real-time insights into upstream bankruptcies, protecting just-in-time inventory and delivery commitments.

Metals bankruptcies drastically impact the commodity supply

The collapse of a major smelter or processor disrupts raw material access, breaks contracts, and pushes volatility into downstream sectors. Manufacturers, builders, and energy firms are pulled into turbulence as shipments stall.

BKwire surfaces risks before the markets react

Partners under financial stress can stall containers mid-route, cancel key contracts, and destabilize pricing. BKwire identifies these stress points quickly, giving you the time to redirect sourcing and steady supply chains.

BKwire surfaces risks before the markets react

Partners under financial stress can stall containers mid-route, cancel key contracts, and destabilize pricing. BKwire identifies these stress points quickly, giving you the time to redirect sourcing and steady supply chains.

BKwire Metal Bankruptcy Filings 2023-2025

2023

12

Number of Filings

Post-pandemic supply chain strains; oil & gas and construction sectors hardest hit.

2024

18

Number of Filings

25% above 2019-2022 average; steel fabrication and pipe manufacturing prominent.

2025 (YTD)

15

Number of Filings

Steel supply and metal products doubled; largescale restructurings dominate.

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Recent Metals Bankruptcies

Paragon Industries (May 2025)

Bankrupt
Oklahoma-based steel pipe maker filed Ch.11 amid lawsuits & $45M+ debt; halted operations, cut 400+ jobs, seized owner assets, and plans asset sale impacting energy sector suppliers.

TRB Supply Inc. (June 2025)

Bankrupt
Alabama structural steel fabricator filed Chapter 11 in Northern District of Alabama due to freight recession and $20M liabilities; 50+ employees affected, inventory auctions pending; strains construction timelines and vendor payments in Southeast markets.

Fleming Steel (April 2025)

Bankrupt
Pennsylvania custom steel door fabricator filed Ch.11 over $15M debt from contract disputes; 20 layoffs, idled facilities, and custom part shortages impacting aerospace & military projects.

Recent Medical Bankruptcies

NES Health

Bankrupt
Filed for Chapter 7, leading to liquidation after failing to pay emergency physicians, leaving hospitals understaffed and doctors without malpractice coverage.

Why the Metal Industry Needs BKwire Bankruptcy Monitoring

Threat radar

Spot cracks in alloy supplier networks before they spread

Expansion channel

Capture deals or partner alignments in volatile times

Seamless flow

Integrate Watchlist alerts for zone-by-zone coverage daily

Use Bankruptcy Signals to Stay Out of Trouble

Ensure that you avoid supply chain insolvencies with daily insights