Nonresidential construction spending inched 0.3 percent lower in July largely due to a significant upward revision to June’s spending figure, according to analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data released today by Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). Nonresidential spending totaled $701.4 billion on a seasonally adjusted annualized basis in July, the second highest month since November of 2008, right behind June, which was revised upward from $682 billion to $703.5 billion. Public nonresidential spending continued to falter, declining 3.2 percent for the month and 6.5 percent for the year.
Nonresidential construction spending has been suppressed over the last year or so with the primary factor being the lack of momentum in public spending. “This lack of public investment continues despite obvious deficiencies in water, road and other forms of infrastructure. The fact that all but two of the 12 public nonresidential public subsectors declined in July shows that the malaise is widespread,” says ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu in a press release.
The second biggest factor deals with tightening commercial real estate standards that may have been brought on by growing regulatory pressures. “There is growing concern that key commercial real estate segments are in the process of being overbuilt, particularly in America’s largest cities, which are most likely to attract significant levels of foreign investment,” Basu says.
All is not negative, however, as the housing sector has begun to improve at a meaningful rate and the country continues to add a substantial number of jobs. Additionally, interest rates remain low.
Related Stories
Market Data | Jan 7, 2022
Construction adds 22,000 jobs in December
Jobless rate falls to 5% as ongoing nonresidential recovery offsets rare dip in residential total.
Market Data | Jan 6, 2022
Inflation tempers optimism about construction in North America
Rider Levett Bucknall’s latest report cites labor shortages and supply chain snags among causes for cost increases.
Market Data | Jan 6, 2022
A new survey offers a snapshot of New York’s construction market
Anchin’s poll of 20 AEC clients finds a “growing optimism,” but also multiple pressure points.
Market Data | Jan 3, 2022
Construction spending in November increases from October and year ago
Construction spending in November totaled $1.63 trillion at a seasonally adjusted annual rate.
Market Data | Dec 22, 2021
Two out of three metro areas add construction jobs from November 2020 to November 2021
Construction employment increased in 237 or 66% of 358 metro areas over the last 12 months.
Market Data | Dec 17, 2021
Construction jobs exceed pre-pandemic level in 18 states and D.C.
Firms struggle to find qualified workers to keep up with demand.
Market Data | Dec 15, 2021
Widespread steep increases in materials costs in November outrun prices for construction projects
Construction officials say efforts to address supply chain challenges have been insufficient.
Market Data | Dec 15, 2021
Demand for design services continues to grow
Changing conditions could be on the horizon.
Market Data | Dec 5, 2021
Construction adds 31,000 jobs in November
Gains were in all segments, but the industry will need even more workers as demand accelerates.
Market Data | Dec 5, 2021
Construction spending rebounds in October
Growth in most public and private nonresidential types is offsetting the decline in residential work.