OSB prices on the decline
The overall price of building materials used in residential construction fell 1.8% in December, according to the Producer Price Index (PPI) by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and analysis from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
Although most building material prices little movement in December, OSB prices declined 12% in December after falling 13.7% in November. The NAHB also reported that prices paid for OSB decreased 22.4% in 2018 and have fallen 36.7% since hitting their most recent peak.
While softwood lumber prices rose by 1.0%, the increase followed 5 consecutive monthly declines totaling 23.6%. This trend, since June 2018, is similar to the recent path of OSB prices, the NAHB said.
Prices of other materials experienced slight increases in December with gypsum products rising 1.8% and ready-mix concrete edging up 0.5%. The gypsum price index ended 2018 at a rate 3% higher than in 2017.
Although most building material prices little movement in December, OSB prices declined 12% in December after falling 13.7% in November. The NAHB also reported that prices paid for OSB decreased 22.4% in 2018 and have fallen 36.7% since hitting their most recent peak.
While softwood lumber prices rose by 1.0%, the increase followed 5 consecutive monthly declines totaling 23.6%. This trend, since June 2018, is similar to the recent path of OSB prices, the NAHB said.
Prices of other materials experienced slight increases in December with gypsum products rising 1.8% and ready-mix concrete edging up 0.5%. The gypsum price index ended 2018 at a rate 3% higher than in 2017.