The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index released new September data on Oct. 15, 2026. The new data revealed that construction material prices increased 2.2% in September compared to the previous month. “Construction input prices have risen more than 11% over the past 12 months, the largest year-over-year increase in nearly four years,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “While higher fuel prices… have driven a substantial portion of the increase, prices for tariffed materials like iron, copper and other…
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ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator decreases in July
On Aug. 11, 2026, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) reported that its Construction Backlog Indicator fell to 8.0 months in July 2026. The data originates from an ABC member survey conducted from July 20 to Aug. 4. The reading is down 0.8 months from both a month ago and a year ago. “Backlog fell sharply in July and is down to the lowest level since January,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “The data center boom masks the depth of this weakness, as there is a lack of momentum in…
Read MoreABC’s construction backlog surges in May
On June 16, 2026, the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) reported that its Construction Backlog Indicator rose to 9.1 months in May 2026. This is according to ABC’s member survey conducted from May 20 to June 3. The reading is up 0.3 months from April and 0.7 months from May 2025. “Backlog rose to a nearly three-year high in May,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “This increase largely reflects the massive data center investments taking place across the nation, as the 14% of ABC members under contract to work…
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