The construction materials price index for nonresidential buildings fell 0.3% in April extending the decline since the September index peak to 13.1%. Prices for the mix of materials used in nonresidential construction prices are back to the December 2007 level before the 14% jump in prices from March through September.
The materials price index is expected to decline slowly for a few more months but be rising modestly again by the end of the year and rising more quickly next year, perhaps up 4–5% from the 2009 average.
April's price drop was led by structural steel (7.3%) and plywood (-3.3%). The only significant April price increases were for diesel (20.5%) and nonferrous pipe and tube (20.9%) which had both declined in March. Rising scrap and ore prices mean rising nonferrous product prices for at least several months. The Energy Department reports that diesel pump prices were unchanged from the April to the May price survey week.
Percent Change in ..... | 1 month | 3 months | 12 months | 3 years |
Source: Producer Price Index. Bureau of Labor Statistics | ||||
Construction commodities | ||||
Cement | 0.8 | -0.2 | 0.0 | 6.1 |
Construction sand, gravel & crushed stone | 0.5 | 1.4 | 5.5 | 23.1 |
Softwood plywood | -3.3 | -4.9 | -12.7 | -21.1 |
Softwood lumber | 1.6 | -2.6 | -10.7 | -32.5 |
Manufactured materials | ||||
Gypsum products | -0.2 | -1.2 | 5.3 | -17.5 |
Diesel fuel | 20.5 | -2.6 | -56.2 | -30.6 |
Paint | 0.1 | 0.1 | 12.4 | 22.5 |
Plastic construction products | -0.5 | -0.6 | 3.0 | 1.9 |
Vitreous plumbing fixtures | 2.3 | 2.4 | 4.2 | -1.9 |
Ceramic tile | -2.0 | -1.4 | -0.2 | 1.6 |
Flat glass | -0.4 | -1.0 | 2.9 | 2.7 |
Hot-rolled bars, plates, and structural shapes | -7.3 | -15.7 | -25.9 | -2.0 |
Extruded aluminum rod, bar, and other shapes | 1.2 | -4.3 | -26.3 | -18.2 |
Architectural metalwork | 0.6 | -2.4 | 12.1 | 24.7 |
Metal plumbing fixtures | 0.5 | 0.2 | 2.2 | 13.1 |
Builders' hardware | 0.5 | -2.7 | 6.8 | 20.4 |
Sheet metal products | -0.6 | -3.6 | 0.2 | 9.9 |
Nonferrous pipe and tube | 20.9 | 26.7 | -28.5 | -1.3 |
Building brick | 0.5 | -0.2 | 0.1 | 0.8 |
Ready-mix concrete | -1.0 | -1.9 | 3.4 | 10.7 |
Concrete block and brick | 0.3 | -0.1 | 3.3 | 10.1 |
Millwork (window, door, cabinet) | -0.2 | 0.7 | 1.7 | 5.3 |
Engineered wood products | -1.3 | -3.3 | -2.6 | -14.6 |
Metal doors, sash, and trim | -0.8 | 0.2 | 5.4 | 9.2 |
Summary | ||||
Construction materials (commodity level) | -2.3 | -3.1 | -1.7 | 4.9 |
Inputs to construction industries | -0.4 | -1.6 | -3.6 | 6.4 |
Inputs to nonresidential construction | -0.3 | -1.6 | -5.2 | 6.3 |
Related Stories
Products and Materials | Aug 17, 2017
Scuff-resistant paint is tailor-made for high-traffic commercial spaces
SCUFF-X provides the level of scuff-resistance of two-component coatings.
Products and Materials | Jul 24, 2017
Nu-Wood brackets give 110-year-old hotel another level of distinction
One of the goals during the hotel’s 2014 and 2015 refurbishment was to create a low maintenance exterior.
Products and Materials | Jul 21, 2017
Acrylic-infused wood flooring brings durability for commercial spaces
The product incorporates an acrylic-infused top layer.
Sponsored | Products and Materials | Jul 19, 2017
Building community with every structure
Fabcon precast helps take community projects further.
Roofing | Jul 17, 2017
EclipseEdge eases installation of raised roof edges, gravel stops, and full coping caps
The EclipseEdge edge metal profile uses a two-part design with a base and a top cover to eliminate steps often required in traditional installations.
Flooring | Jul 12, 2017
Membrane dials down the sound, while it cranks up the heat
A new membrane from Schluter Systems, Ditra Heat Duo, reduces sound transmission while also warming the floor and supporting the covering to ensure lasting installation.