Associated Builders and Contractors recently reported that its Construction Backlog Indicator contracted to 8.1 months during January 2019, down 0.8 months or 9.3% compared to the fourth quarter 2018 reading of 8.9 months.
“This represents the latest in a number of indicators suggesting that U.S. economic momentum has begun to wane,” said Anirban Basu, ABC’s chief economist. “Other data tracking retail sales, employment growth and the trade deficit suggest that in contrast to 2018, this year will not be as strong from an economic growth perspective.
“January’s decline in nonresidential backlog was significant, slipping to levels last observed in 2014,” said Basu. “From an industry segment perspective, the decline in backlog was especially sharp in the infrastructure category, which may have been related to the federal shutdown in January.
“There was one meaningful exception in the Middle States, where backlog continues to rise,” said Basu. “This is potentially a result of stronger industrial production growth in 2017 and 2018, which has produced greater demand for modern industrial space. As with any January data release, weather may also have played a role in shaping the results. Accordingly, more clarity regarding contractual activity will arrive during the months ahead.”
Related Stories
Market Data | Jun 16, 2021
Construction input prices rise 4.6% in May; softwood lumber prices up 154% from a year ago
Construction input prices are 24.3% higher than a year ago, while nonresidential construction input prices increased 23.9% over that span.
Market Data | Jun 16, 2021
Producer prices for construction materials and services jump 24% over 12 months
The 24.3% increase in prices for materials used in construction from May 2020 to last month was nearly twice as great as in any previous year
Market Data | Jun 15, 2021
ABC’s Construction Backlog inches higher in May
Materials and labor shortages suppress contractor confidence.
Market Data | Jun 11, 2021
The countries with the most green buildings
As the country that set up the LEED initiative, the US is a natural leader in constructing green buildings.
Market Data | Jun 7, 2021
Construction employment slips by 20,000 in May
Seasonally adjusted construction employment in May totaled 7,423,000.
Market Data | Jun 2, 2021
Construction employment in April lags pre-covid February 2020 level in 107 metro areas
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land and Odessa, Texas have worst 14-month construction job losses.
Market Data | Jun 1, 2021
Nonresidential construction spending decreases 0.5% in April
Spending was down on a monthly basis in nine of 16 nonresidential subcategories.
Market Data | Jun 1, 2021
Nonresidential construction outlays drop in April to two-year low
Public and private work declines amid supply-chain woes, soaring costs.
Market Data | May 24, 2021
Construction employment in April remains below pre-pandemic peak in 36 states and D.C.
Texas and Louisiana have worst job losses since February 2020, while Utah and Idaho are the top gainers.
Market Data | May 19, 2021
Design activity strongly increases
Demand signals construction is recovering.
