Construction Input Prices Stable in July

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Nonresidential construction input prices were unchanged in July according to a recent analysis of the Bureau of Labor Statistics Producer Price Index released by Associated Builders and Contractors. Input prices for both the nonresidential construction segment and construction as a whole are 2.3 percent lower than they were a year ago. “ABC has been predicting relative stability in input prices, and that is precisely what July’s report delivered,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “A weak and disappointing global economy has not been able to drag prices higher. Persistently low prices have placed a lid on the … Read more

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ABC, AIA and NAHB Economists Predict Industry Growth Through 2017

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Associated Builders and Contractors’ Chief Economist Anirban Basu, American Institute of Architects’ Chief Economist Kermit Baker and National Association of Home Builders’ Chief Economist Robert Dietz predicted continued growth for the construction industry in 2017 during a recent joint economic forecast. “Nonresidential construction spending growth will continue into the next year with an estimated increase in the range of 3 to 4 percent,” said Basu. “Growth will continue to be led by privately financed projects, with commercial construction continuing to lead the way. Energy-related construction will become less of a drag in 2017, while public spending will … Read more

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June Construction Unemployment Rates Improve in 47 States from 2015

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – June not seasonally adjusted construction unemployment rates improved in 47 states and the nation on a year-over-year basis according to an analysis recently released by Associated Builders and Contractors. The national construction unemployment rate of 4.6 percent was 1.7 percent lower than a year ago according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Further, the industry boasted its lowest June rate since 2000 when it matched this June’s 4.6 percent rate. BLS data also showed that the industry employed 229,000 more people than in June 2015. Four states—Connecticut, Hawaii, Mississippi and Wyoming—posted an increase in their … Read more

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Construction Input Prices Continue Ascent, Could Pressure Margins

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Construction input prices expanded in June, rising 1.1 percent on a monthly basis according to a recent analysis of the Bureau of Labor Statistics Producer Price Index released by Associated Builders and Contractors. This report marks the fourth consecutive month that input prices have expanded following eight straight months of decline. “Commodity prices stabilized in March and in many cases, including natural gas and oil, have been edging higher,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “Accordingly, construction materials prices are now on the rise, which all things being equal translate into smaller profit margins. Alternatively, rising costs … Read more

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Construction Material Prices Rise Again

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Construction input prices expanded by 0.7 percent in May and have now expanded for three consecutive months according to an analysis of the Bureau of Labor Statistics Producer Price Index released by Associated Builders and Contractors. The rise follows eight consecutive months during which construction input prices fell; prices remain 3.4 percent below their year-ago level. Nonresidential construction input prices expanded by 0.9 percent in May, but are still 3.5 percent below their year-ago level. Price gains were largely driven by iron and steel prices and steel mill product prices, which expanded 5.8 percent and 4.6 percent … Read more

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