The cost of goods used in construction jumped in April at the fastest year-over-year rate since 2011, with ongoing increases for a wide range of building materials, including many that are subject to proposed tariffs that could drive prices still higher and cause scarcities, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data released today. Association officials said that the new data indicates many firms are already being squeezed by higher materials prices that they are unable to pass along to their customers.
"Contractors have started to boost the prices they charge, but they are falling further behind on the cost of materials they buy," said the association's chief economist, Ken Simonson. "This imbalance poses two risks—either contractors will suffer decreased profit margins or project owners with fixed budgets will cut back on the projects they undertake."
The producer price index for inputs to construction industries, goods—a measure of all materials used in construction projects including items consumed by contractors, such as diesel fuel—rose 1.0% in April alone and 6.4% over 12 months. The year-over-year increase was the steepest since 2011, the economist noted. Meanwhile, the producer price index for nonresidential construction—a measure of what contractors say they would charge to put up a mix of school, office, warehouse, industrial and health care buildings—increased 1.1% for the month and 4.2% year-over-year. Â
"The gap between the 6.4% rise in the cost of construction goods and the 4.2% increase in prices charged is ominous," Simonson observed. "Unfortunately, the gap may widen further if tariffs or quotas push up costs further for the many steel, aluminum and wood products used in construction."
From April 2017 to April 2018, the producer price index jumped by 11.9% for aluminum mill shapes, 11.0% for lumber and plywood and 7.4% for steel mill products. The U.S. has been in a dispute with Canada over lumber imports, has imposed tariffs on several types of steel and has announced or recently imposed additional tariffs—not reflected in the April price index—on steel, aluminum and numerous Chinese construction products.
Other construction inputs that rose sharply in price from April 2017 to April 2018 include diesel fuel, 41.6%; copper and brass mill shapes, 10.5%; gypsum products, 7.5%; ready-mix concrete, 6.9%; and truck transportation of freight, 6.0%.
Association officials said the Trump Administration's tariffs pose a real threat to the continued growth of the construction industry. As steel, aluminum, and wood prices continue to surge, contractors will be forced to charge more, potentially discouraging or delaying new infrastructure and development projects.
"The new tariffs have the potential to undermine many of the benefits of the President's recently enacted tax and regulatory reforms," said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association's chief executive officer. "Instead of investing their tax savings in new personnel and equipment, many firms are being forced to use them to cover increasing steel and aluminum costs."
View producer price indexes for construction.Â
Related Stories
Market Data | Jul 27, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: July 27, 2020
Customized labs give universities a recruiting edge and the U.S. construction pipeline remains robust through the first half of 2020.
Market Data | Jul 27, 2020
The U.S. construction pipeline remains robust through the first half of 2020, despite pandemic
Projects currently under construction stand at 1,771 projects/235,467 rooms, up 3% and 1% respectively, YOY.
Market Data | Jul 24, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: July 24, 2020
North Carolina will stop relying on FEMA flood mapping and Cal Poly Pomona's newest project.
Market Data | Jul 23, 2020
New LEED guidance from USGBC helps cities and communities expand resilience efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Credits integrate public health and social equity with sustainability planning.
Market Data | Jul 23, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: July 23, 2020
Skanska selects Pickard Chilton to design new ofice tower and days grow long at nursing homes as virus lockdowns drag on.
Market Data | Jul 22, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: July 22, 2020
Phase one of Toronto's The Orbit detailed and architecture billings remains in negative territory.
Market Data | Jul 21, 2020
Nonresidential building spending to decline through 2021
The commercial building sector is expected to be the hardest hit.
Market Data | Jul 21, 2020
7 must reads for the AEC industry today: July 21, 2020
Abandoned high-rise becomes mixed-use luxury apartments and researchers are developing anti-coronavirus tech for buildings.
Market Data | Jul 20, 2020
Construction employment rises from May to June in 31 states, slips in 18
Recent data from Procore on jobsite workers’ hours indicates employment may have leveled off.
Market Data | Jul 20, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: July 20, 2020
Never waste a crisis and robotic parking systems help developers optimize parking amenities.