Prices for inputs to construction fell 0.2% in July but are 9.5% higher than a year ago, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released today. Nonresidential construction input prices increased fell 0.3% in July but are up 9.6% year over year. Softwood lumber prices are up 19.5% from July 2017, while iron and steel prices are up 13.4%.
“The monthly decline in construction input prices registered in July represents a departure from the recent trend,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “As is often the case, the question for the economist is how much weight to place on the most recent data point.
“In this instance, placing significant weight on July's PPI release would be equivalent to suggesting that the surge in materials prices has ended,” said Basu. “Putting less weight on the most recent bit of data means that July represents a statistical aberration, and that prices will rise in ways similar to the period preceding July.
“Given the ongoing strength of the U.S. construction sector and ongoing trade tussles, it would be difficult to conclude that the rise in materials prices is over,” said Basu. “It may be the case, however, that the pace of increase in materials prices is set to slow as suppliers ramp up production of key inputs in the wake of higher prices and as the U.S. dollar remains strong. In any case, it is far too early for estimators, chief financial officers and others to conclude that the construction input inflation cycle is over.”
Related Stories
Industry Research | Mar 23, 2022
Architecture Billings Index (ABI) shows the demand for design service continues to grow
Demand for design services in February grew slightly since January, according to a new report today from The American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Codes and Standards | Mar 1, 2022
Engineering Business Sentiment study finds optimism despite growing economic concerns
The ACEC Research Institute found widespread optimism among engineering firm executives in its second quarterly Engineering Business Sentiment study.
Codes and Standards | Feb 24, 2022
Most owners adapting digital workflows on projects
Owners are more deeply engaged with digital workflows than other project team members, according to a new report released by Trimble and Dodge Data & Analytics.
Market Data | Feb 23, 2022
2022 Architecture Billings Index indicates growth
The Architectural Billings Index measures the general sentiment of U.S. architecture firms about the health of the construction market by measuring 1) design billings and 2) design contracts. Any score above 50 means that, among the architecture firms surveyed, more firms than not reported seeing increases in design work vs. the previous month.
Market Data | Feb 15, 2022
Materials prices soar 20% between January 2021 and January 2022
Contractors' bid prices accelerate but continue to lag cost increases.
Market Data | Feb 4, 2022
Construction employment dips in January despite record rise in wages, falling unemployment
The quest for workers intensifies among industries.
Market Data | Feb 2, 2022
Majority of metro areas added construction jobs in 2021
Soaring job openings indicate that labor shortages are only getting worse.
Market Data | Feb 2, 2022
Construction spending increased in December for the month and the year
Nonresidential and public construction lagged residential sector.
Market Data | Jan 31, 2022
Canada's hotel construction pipeline ends 2021 with 262 projects and 35,325 rooms
At the close of 2021, projects under construction stand at 62 projects/8,100 rooms.
Market Data | Jan 27, 2022
Record high counts for franchise companies in the early planning stage at the end of Q4'21
Through year-end 2021, Marriott, Hilton, and IHG branded hotels represented 585 new hotel openings with 73,415 rooms.