Construction Input Prices Edge Up as Energy Costs Decline

Construction input prices rose 0.2% in August compared to July, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Nonresidential construction input prices also increased 0.2% for the month.

Year over year, overall construction input prices are 2.3% higher, while nonresidential input prices are up 2.6%.

Declines in energy prices helped offset broader increases. Crude petroleum and natural gas both fell 2.8% in August, while unprocessed energy materials dropped 2.5%.

Some materials tied to global trade pressures and tariffs posted sharper gains. Iron and steel prices have risen 9.2% over the past year, and copper wire and cable prices are up 13.8%.

Despite rising costs, industry surveys suggest many contractors remain optimistic about profit margins over the next six months.