Anirban Basu

Stories

Construction input prices climb 11.2% annually, fastest in nearly four years

Publishing monthly analyses of construction input prices

Construction materials cost 11.2% more than a year ago, the fastest annual increase in nearly four years, according to Associated Builders and Contractors. A broader Associated General Contractors measure that includes services put the rise at 11.9% for new nonresidential work.

Updated Oct 21

Construction layoffs hit record low as firms hold onto workers

Built World

As of September 2026: Leads ABC's monthly analysis of construction labor data

Construction firms laid off 99,000 workers in August, the fewest in any month since the government began tracking the figure in December 2000. The industry had 251,000 open jobs on the last day of August.

Updated Sep 30

Notable Quotes

While higher fuel prices brought about by the conflict in Iran have driven a substantial portion of the increase, prices for tariffed materials like iron, copper and other metal products continue to rise rapidly.

from Construction input prices climb 11.2% annually, fastest in nearly four years · Updated Oct 21

The August JOLTS data indicate that both the demand for and supply of construction workers are decreasing.

from Construction layoffs hit record low as firms hold onto workers · Updated Sep 30

These dynamics may seem contradictory but are consistent with ongoing weakness in the residential segment coupled with booming data center activity and the resulting scarcity of certain skilled trades workers.

from Construction layoffs hit record low as firms hold onto workers · Updated Sep 30