In an attempt to gain insider information a representative from Alpha Munitions relay the prospect that raw materials, primarily brass now has increased interest from organizations that are in the data storage industry. The increase in demand from them is driven by Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) which requires much data usage so therefore larger data centers, which use brass in manufacturing cables.
Another factor is the increase production in electric cars, the automotive factories are large purchasers of raw materials for battery production, and basic electronic circuits. I have been told by some cartridge companies that they must outbid the said car makers in order to secure what they need to produce what you and I are after.
Basic economics are in play higher demand on recourses equate higher prices. In short component manufactures that secure the raw materials in advanced will fair better and thus have more stability in product pricing.