Spending by U.S. businesses on new and used structures and equipment rose 4.5%, from $1.42 billion in 2012 to $1.49 billion in 2013, according to the latest economic data released today by the U.S. Census Bureau.
These findings come from the 2013 Annual Capital Expenditures Survey, which provides statistics on capital spending for new and used structures and equipment by U.S. non-farm businesses with and without paid employees. This survey, conducted annually since 1994, is an integral part of the federal government’s effort to improve and supplement ongoing statistical economic programs.
Highlights:
• Investments for new and used structures totaled $577.9 billion in 2013. The vast majority of this amount, $545.0 billion (94.3%), was spent on new structures. Expenditures for used structures totaled $33.0 billion (5.7%) in 2013.
• Investments in new and used equipment totaled $910.3 billion in 2013, up $57.0 billion (6.7%) from $853.2 billion in 2012. The majority of this amount (94.1%) was for new equipment, which totaled $856.7 billion in 2013, an increase of $56.5 billion (7.1%) from $800.2 billion in 2012. Expenditures for used equipment (5.9% of the amount) totaled $53.5 billion in 2013.
• Companies with employees accounted for $1.4 trillion (93.9%) of total capital spending in 2013.
• Of the 19 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) major industry sectors covered in this report, only one sector had a statistically significant year-to-year decrease in capital spending: The utilities sector (NAICS 22) showed a decrease of 10.6%, from $125.0 billion in 2012 to $111.7 billion in 2013. Eight sectors had a statistically significant increase in capital spending and ten showed no statistically significant change during this period.
Related Stories
Urban Planning | Jan 4, 2016
The next boomtown? Construction and redevelopment sizzle in San Diego
The city's emission-reduction plan could drive influx into downtown
Market Data | Dec 15, 2015
AIA: Architecture Billings Index hits another bump
Business conditions show continued strength in South and West regions.
Industry Research | Dec 8, 2015
AEC leaders say the 'talent wars' are heating up: BD+C exclusive survey
A new survey from Building Design+Construction shows that U.S. architecture, engineering, and construction firms are being stymied by the shortage of experienced design and construction professionals and project managers.
Market Data | Dec 7, 2015
2016 forecast: Continued growth expected for the construction industry
ABC forecasts growth in nonresidential construction spending of 7.4% in 2016 along with growth in employment and backlog.
Contractors | Dec 2, 2015
FMI: Nonresidential construction in a slowdown, according to latest NRCI score
“Economic recovery momentum is losing steam and rising costs in labor and materials start to put a load on the industry,” said Chris Daum, President and CEO of FMI.
Contractors | Dec 2, 2015
ABC releases scorecard on state policies affecting the construction industry
The scorecard website identifies states that have good environments for merit shop contractors, like Arizona, and states that could improve conditions, like New York.
Contractors | Dec 1, 2015
ABC: September's nonresidential spending retains momentum in October
Spending increased in 10 of 16 nonresidential construction sectors on a monthly basis.
Greenbuild Report | Dec 1, 2015
Data centers turn to alternative power sources, new heat controls and UPS systems
Data centers account for 2% of the nation’s electricity consumption and about 30% of the power used annually by the economy’s information and communications technology sector, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
Contractors | Dec 1, 2015
The contractor’s role in promoting job site sustainability [AIA course]
Robins & Morton’s Jackie Mustakas offers specific actions that contractors and construction managers can take to green every job site.
Contractors | Nov 30, 2015
Sundt Construction opens its own craft employee training center
The contractor's Center for Craft Excellence, in Phoenix, is in response to the labor shortages in the industry.