Nonresidential construction spending fell for a second consecutive month in August, according to analysis of U.S. Census Bureau released today by Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). Nonresidential spending totaled $686.6 billion on a seasonally adjusted, annualized basis for the month, 1.1% lower than July’s total of $694.1 billion (revised down from $701 billion) and 1.3% below August 2015’s figure.
Private nonresidential construction spending fell just 0.4% for the month, while its public sector counterpart shrank 2%. Four of the five largest nonresidential subsectors—power, highway and street, commercial and manufacturing—combined to fall 2.2% on a monthly basis.
“While previous weak spending reports can almost completely be explained by diminished public construction spending, today’s report also revealed emerging weakness in private spending,” says ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu.
However, spending has increased in some areas. Office-related construction increased 2% for the month and 24 percent on a year-over-year basis. Meanwhile, lodging-related construction spending increased 1.2% for the month and almost 16% year-over-year.
Other areas have underperformed. “Given the passage of a federal highway bill last year, one might have expected spending growth in the highway/street and transportation categories,” Basu says. “Those expectations have been unmet thus far. Transportation-related construction spending dipped by more than 6 percent in August and by more than 11 percent on a year-over-year basis. Highway and street spending is down by more than 8 percent on a year-ago basis, and was down nearly 3 percent for the month.”
Related Stories
Market Data | Jun 9, 2020
ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator inches higher in May; Contractor confidence continues to rebound
Nonresidential construction backlog is down 0.8 months compared to May 2019 and declined year over year in every industry.
Market Data | Jun 9, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: June 9, 2020
OSHA safety inspections fall 84% and the office isn't dead.
Market Data | Jun 8, 2020
Construction jobs rise by 464,000 jobs but remain 596,000 below recent peak
Gains in may reflect temporary support from paycheck protection program loans and easing of construction restrictions, but hobbled economy and tight state and local budgets risk future job losses.
Market Data | Jun 5, 2020
7 must reads for the AEC industry today: June 5, 2020
The world's first carbon-fiber reinforced concrete building and what will college be like in the fall?
Market Data | Jun 4, 2020
7 must reads for the AEC industry today: June 4, 2020
Construction unemployment declines in 326 of 358 metro areas and is the show over for AMC Theatres?
Market Data | Jun 3, 2020
Construction employment declines in 326 out of 358 metro areas in April
Association says new transportation proposal could help restore jobs.
Market Data | Jun 3, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: June 3, 2020
5 ways to improve cleanliness of public restrooms and office owners are in no hurry for tenants to return.
Market Data | Jun 2, 2020
Architects, health experts release strategies, tools for safely reopening buildings
AIA issues three new and enhanced tools for reducing risk of COVID-19 transmission in buildings.
Market Data | Jun 2, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: June 2, 2020
New Luxembourg office complex breaks ground and nonresidential construction spending falls.
Market Data | Jun 1, 2020
Nonresidential construction spending falls in April
Of the 16 subcategories, 13 were down on a monthly basis.