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July 21, 2026

Construction costs remain elevated despite June dip as metal prices continue to rise

  • The increase in material costs outpaced the annual rise in contractors' bids — a sign that many firms continue to absorb higher costs.
    • By JOURNAL STAFF

    Construction input costs remained significantly higher than a year ago despite a modest decline in June, as rising prices for aluminum, copper and steel continued to put pressure on contractors, according to an analysis released last week by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).

    The producer price index for inputs to new nonresidential construction increased 7.1% between June 2025 and June 2026, even though costs fell 0.5% in June, AGC reported based on newly released federal data. The increase in material and fuel expenses far outpaced the 3.5% annual rise in contractors' bid prices for new nonresidential buildings, suggesting many firms are continuing to absorb higher costs rather than passing them on to customers.


     
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