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Construction Materials Static in June08-02-13 | News

Construction Materials Static in June

The Producer Price Index (PPI) for construction materials, which measures prices for raw supplies, like concrete, and everyday industry inputs like diesel fuel, declined just 0.1 percent in June. Prices increased 1.5 percent year-over-year, reflecting increases earlier in 2013 that are still being absorbed by the market.

Construction materials prices fell 0.1 percent in June and were virtually unchanged for the quarter, according to the Producer Price Index report released by the U.S. Labor Department July 12.

Prices for concrete products, fabricated structural metal products, and plumbing fixtures and fittings were all flat for the month. Year over year, concrete product prices are up 3 percent, fabricated structural metal product prices are down 0.8 percent, and plumbing fixtures and fitting prices are up 1 percent.

Lumber prices fell 5.6 percent in June, dropping 11.2 percent for the quarter after an 8.2 percent decline in May. Prices remain 8 percent higher compared to the same time last year.

Nonresidential construction materials prices were unchanged in June, rose 0.1 percent for the quarter and increased 1.2 percent during the last 12 months.

Iron and steel prices decreased 0.9 percent for the month and are down 3.4 percent for the quarter and 7.2 percent on a year-over-year basis. Steel mill prices also declined, down 0.7 percent for the month, 1.6 percent for the quarter and 8.1 percent from June 2012. Crude energy materials increased 0.3 percent in June, 9.2 percent for the quarter and 21.5 percent year-over-year.

View the June PPI report here.