Demand for different types of construction continued to diverge in June as residential construction increased for the month and the year while nonresidential construction spending fell again, according to a new analysis of federal construction spending data the Associated General Contractors of America released today. Officials noted the nonresidential declines include a steep drop in spending on highway and street projects and urged Congress to quickly pass a new, bipartisan infrastructure measure.
“The pandemic has created a tale of two construction industries, a residential market where demand continues to surge and a nonresidential market that is struggling to gain traction,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “The federal government has a real opportunity to boost nonresidential construction by passing the bipartisan infrastructure measure as quickly as possible.”
Construction spending in June totaled $1.55 trillion at a seasonally adjusted annual rate, an increase of 0.1% from May, and 8.2% higher than the pandemic-depressed rate in June 2020. Once again, residential construction saw monthly and year-over-year gains while non-residential construction spending lagged. The residential construction segment climbed 1.1% for the month and 28.8% year-over-year. The nonresidential construction segment fell by 0.9% compared to May and 6.6% compared to June 2020.
Private nonresidential construction spending fell 0.7% from May to June and 6.0% since June 2020, with year-over-year decreases in all 11 subsegments. The largest private nonresidential category, power construction, fell 1.9% year-over-year and 1.2% from May to June. Among the other large private nonresidential project types, commercial construction—comprising retail, warehouse and farm structures—retreated 2.1% year-over-year and 0.2% for the month. Manufacturing construction fell 0.7% from a year earlier and 1.1% from May. Office construction decreased 9.1% year-over-year and by 0.1% compared to May.
Public construction spending plunged 7.5% year-over-year and 1.2% for the month. Among the largest segments, highway and street construction declined 7.6% from a year earlier and 5.3% compared to May 2021. Public educational construction decreased 9.1% year-over-year and 0.8% in June. Spending on transportation facilities fell 5.7% over 12 months but was up 1.1% in June.
Association officials said the new bipartisan infrastructure measure would invest more than $1.2 trillion to build the nation’s roads, bridges, transit systems, airports, ports, and waterways, drinking water and wastewater systems, energy infrastructure and more. They added that Congress should pass the measure as quickly as possible to have the broadest impact on creating new construction career opportunities.
“It would be a shame if certain members of Congress were to hold new infrastructure investments, and the job opportunities they create, hostage to impose unrelated partisan measures that would undermine the economic recovery,” Sandherr said.
Related Stories
Market Data | Oct 21, 2020
Architectural billings slowdown moderated in September
AIA’s ABI score for September was 47.0 compared to 40.0 in August.
Market Data | Oct 21, 2020
Only eight states top February peak construction employment despite gains in 32 states last month
California and Vermont post worst losses since February as Virginia and South Dakota add the most.
Market Data | Oct 20, 2020
AIA releases updated contracts for multi-family residential and prototype residential projects
New resources provide insights into mitigating and managing risk on complex residential design and construction projects.
Market Data | Oct 20, 2020
Construction officials call on Trump and Biden to establish a nationwide vaccine distribution plan to avoid confusion and delays
Officials say nationwide plan should set clear distribution priorities.
Market Data | Oct 19, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: October 19, 2020
Lower cost metros outperform pricey gateway markets and E-commerce fuels industrial's unstoppable engine.
Market Data | Oct 19, 2020
Lower-cost metros continue to outperform pricey gateway markets, Yardi Matrix reports
But year-over-year multifamily trendline remained negative at -0.3%, unchanged from July.
Market Data | Oct 16, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: October 16, 2020
Princeton's new museum and Miami's yacht-inspired luxury condos.
Market Data | Oct 15, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: October 15, 2020
Chicago's Bank of America Tower opens and altering facilities for a post-COVID-19 world.
Market Data | Oct 14, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: October 14, 2020
Thailand's new Elephant Museum and the Art Gallery of New South Wales receives an expansion.
Market Data | Oct 13, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: October 13, 2020
Miami Beach Convention Center renovation completes and guidance offered for K-12 schools to support students with asthma.