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Prices for Construction Materials Spike in February

Mar 25, 2011 3:45 PM

Financial pressures on contractors grew worse in February as prices for key construction materials rose sharply even as prices construction firms charge for completed projects remained stagnant, according to an analysis of producer price index figures released recently by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), Arlington, Va. Association officials say the price squeeze will make it harder for the construction industry to recover and urged federal officials to act on a series of recovery measures the group outlined.

“With construction spending hovering near a 10-year low, contractors are holding bids steady even while being hit with staggering price increases for key inputs,” says Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “That combination threatens to add to an already appalling toll of laid-off workers and shuttered construction firms.”

Prices for materials used in construction leaped 1.1% in February and 6.1% during the past 12 months, while price indexes for finished buildings stayed nearly level during the same timeframe, the economist notes. He adds that construction costs also outran the producer price index for finished goods, which rose 5.6% since February 2010.

Simonson says price increases were particularly intense for four essential construction inputs. Diesel fuel prices climbed 7.1% in February and 40% for the year; prices for copper and brass mill shapes increased 4.5% and 20%, respectively; steel mill product prices rose 4.7% and 13%, respectively; and prices for insulation materials rose 3.5% in February and 6.0% for the year.

Weak demand for both public and privately financed construction, which is driving up the number of contractors bidding on projects, is forcing contractors to hold the line on bid prices, Simonson notes. The producer price indexes for new office, industrial, and warehouse construction rose less than 1% over 12 months and the index for new schools was up just 1.4%.

Association officials say the new data underscores the need for federal officials to act on a series of measures the group outlined in its new recovery plan, “Building a Stronger Future.”

“Reviving demand for construction, particularly private sector construction activity, is essential to sustaining broader economic growth,” says Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s CEO.

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