Gypsum prices rising again
The cost of gypsum construction materials continues to soar, according to the National Association of Home Builders.
Citing the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) release by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the index for inputs to residential construction fell by 0.5%.
But the price index of gypsum products increased 3.9% from January 2017 to August 2017. In 2018, the price index of gypsum has more than doubled to 8.2%.
Gypsum prices have climbed 6.1% (seasonally adjusted) since a two-month reprieve that saw the gypsum index decline 3.3% between May and July. February to April 2016 was the last two-month period in which gypsum prices rose by 6% or more, the NAHB said.
Softwood lumber and OSB prices fell in August, however, the NAHB reports. Falling 9.6%, softwood lumber saw its largest monthly decline per the PPI in more than 7 years. But on average, prices paid for softwood lumber in 2018 are about 22% higher than the prior record average price in 1997.
The index for ready-mix concrete prices fell 0.1%, the fourth consecutive monthly decrease after increasing in 10 of the preceding 11 months.
Citing the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) release by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the index for inputs to residential construction fell by 0.5%.
But the price index of gypsum products increased 3.9% from January 2017 to August 2017. In 2018, the price index of gypsum has more than doubled to 8.2%.
Gypsum prices have climbed 6.1% (seasonally adjusted) since a two-month reprieve that saw the gypsum index decline 3.3% between May and July. February to April 2016 was the last two-month period in which gypsum prices rose by 6% or more, the NAHB said.
Softwood lumber and OSB prices fell in August, however, the NAHB reports. Falling 9.6%, softwood lumber saw its largest monthly decline per the PPI in more than 7 years. But on average, prices paid for softwood lumber in 2018 are about 22% higher than the prior record average price in 1997.
The index for ready-mix concrete prices fell 0.1%, the fourth consecutive monthly decrease after increasing in 10 of the preceding 11 months.