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
Market Data | Sep 27, 2019
The global hotel construction pipeline ascends to new record highs
With the exception of Latin America, all regions of the globe either continued to set record high pipeline counts or have already settled into topping-out formations amidst concerns of a worldwide economic slowdown.
Market Data | Sep 25, 2019
Senate introduces The School Safety Clearinghouse Act
Legislation would create a federally funded and housed informational resource on safer school designs.
Market Data | Sep 18, 2019
Substantial decline in Architecture Billings
August report suggests greatest weakness in design activity in several years.
Market Data | Sep 17, 2019
ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator inches lower in July
Backlog in the heavy industrial category increased by 2.3 months and now stands at its highest level in the history of the CBI series.
Market Data | Sep 13, 2019
Spending on megaprojects, already on the rise, could spike hard in the coming years
A new FMI report anticipates that megaprojects will account for one-fifth of annual construction spending within the next decade.
Architects | Sep 11, 2019
Buoyed by construction activity, architect compensation continues to see healthy gains
The latest AIA report breaks down its survey data by 44 positions and 28 metros.
Market Data | Sep 11, 2019
New 2030 Commitment report findings emphasize need for climate action
Profession must double down on efforts to meet 2030 targets.
Market Data | Sep 10, 2019
Apartment buildings and their residents contribute $3.4 trillion to the national economy
New data show how different aspects of the apartment industry positively impact national, state and local economies.
Market Data | Sep 3, 2019
Nonresidential construction spending slips in July 2019, but still surpasses $776 billion
Construction spending declined 0.3% in July, totaling $776 billion on a seasonally adjusted annualized basis.
Industry Research | Aug 29, 2019
Construction firms expect labor shortages to worsen over the next year
A new AGC-Autodesk survey finds more companies turning to technology to support their jobsites.
