The construction industry’s fortunes continued to diverge in October, as residential construction expanded again while nonresidential construction remained largely unchanged from a month ago and is down compared to last year, according to an analysis of new federal construction spending data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that demand for nonresidential construction is being hit by private sector worries about the coronavirus, tighter state and local budgets and the lack of new federal pandemic relief measures.
“The October spending report shows private nonresidential construction is continuing to slide,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Public construction spending has fluctuated in recent months but both types of nonresidential spending have fallen significantly from recent peaks this year and appear to be heading even lower.”
Construction spending in October totaled $1.44 trillion at a seasonally adjusted annual rate, an increase of 1.3% from the pace in September and 3.7% higher than in October 2019. But the gains were limited to residential construction, which increased 2.9% for the month and 14.6% year-over-year. Meanwhile, private and public nonresidential spending was virtually unchanged from September and declined 3.7% from a year earlier.
Private nonresidential construction spending declined for the fourth month in a row, slipping 0.7% from September to October, with decreases in nine out of 11 categories. The October total was 8.2% lower than in October 2019. The largest private nonresidential segment, power construction, declined 0.8% for the month. Among the other large private nonresidential project types, commercial construction—comprising retail, warehouse and farm structures—slid 1.0%, manufacturing construction declined 0.8%, and office construction dipped 0.2%.
Public construction spending increased 1.0% in October and 3.7% year-over-year. The largest public category, highway and street construction, gained 1.6% for the month. Among other large public segments, educational construction increased 1.1% for the month and transportation construction rose 1.0%.
Private residential construction spending increased for the fifth consecutive month, rising 2.9% in October. Single-family homebuilding jumped 5.6% for the month, while multifamily construction spending rose 1.2% and residential improvements spending was flat.
Association officials said demand for nonresidential construction was unlikely to rebound in the near-term without new federal relief measures, putting additional construction careers at risk. These should include new investments in infrastructure, to improve aging roads and bridges, public buildings and water utility networks. Federal officials should refrain from taxing Paycheck Protection Program loans as it would undermine the benefits of that program. And Congress and the administration should work together to enact liability reforms to protect honest firms from frivolous coronavirus lawsuits.
“As long as the coronavirus undermines private sector confidence and public sector budgets, the only way to save good-paying construction careers is through new federal relief measures,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “Fixing the nation’s infrastructure, preserving the benefits of the PPP program and protecting honest employers will give the economy a much-needed short-term boost.”
Related Stories
Market Data | Jun 22, 2021
Architecture billings continue historic rebound
AIA’s Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score for May rose to 58.5 compared to 57.9 in April.
Market Data | Jun 17, 2021
Commercial construction contractors upbeat on outlook despite worsening material shortages, worker shortages
88% indicate difficulty in finding skilled workers; of those, 35% have turned down work because of it.
Market Data | Jun 16, 2021
Construction input prices rise 4.6% in May; softwood lumber prices up 154% from a year ago
Construction input prices are 24.3% higher than a year ago, while nonresidential construction input prices increased 23.9% over that span.
Market Data | Jun 16, 2021
Producer prices for construction materials and services jump 24% over 12 months
The 24.3% increase in prices for materials used in construction from May 2020 to last month was nearly twice as great as in any previous year
Market Data | Jun 15, 2021
ABC’s Construction Backlog inches higher in May
Materials and labor shortages suppress contractor confidence.
Market Data | Jun 11, 2021
The countries with the most green buildings
As the country that set up the LEED initiative, the US is a natural leader in constructing green buildings.
Market Data | Jun 7, 2021
Construction employment slips by 20,000 in May
Seasonally adjusted construction employment in May totaled 7,423,000.
Market Data | Jun 2, 2021
Construction employment in April lags pre-covid February 2020 level in 107 metro areas
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land and Odessa, Texas have worst 14-month construction job losses.
Market Data | Jun 1, 2021
Nonresidential construction spending decreases 0.5% in April
Spending was down on a monthly basis in nine of 16 nonresidential subcategories.
Market Data | Jun 1, 2021
Nonresidential construction outlays drop in April to two-year low
Public and private work declines amid supply-chain woes, soaring costs.