National nonresidential construction spending increased 0.4% in February, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published by the U.S. Census Bureau. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $982.2 billion for the month, up 16.8% from the previous year.
Spending declined on a monthly basis in nine of the 16 nonresidential subcategories. Private nonresidential spending was up 0.7%, while public nonresidential construction spending was down 0.2% in February.
“Nonresidential construction spending increased for the eighth time in the past nine months in February,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “Importantly, almost all of the nonresidential sector’s momentum is attributable to manufacturing-related construction, which accounted for nearly 35% of the year-over-year growth in spending. Excluding the manufacturing segment, spending in the other 15 nonresidential segments collectively declined in February.
“While the manufacturing segment should continue to see elevated levels of investment, tightening credit conditions will likely hinder nonresidential construction momentum in the near term,” said Basu. “Contractors maintain a healthy level of backlog, according to ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator, but a gloomy economic outlook and difficulty securing financing are potential headwinds for the industry for the rest of 2023.”
Related Stories
Market Data | Feb 5, 2020
Construction employment increases in 211 out of 358 metro areas from December 2018 to 2019
Dallas-Plano-Irving, Texas and Kansas City have largest gains; New York City and Fairbanks, Alaska lag the most as labor shortages likely kept firms in many areas from adding even more workers.
Market Data | Feb 4, 2020
Construction spending dips in December as nonresidential losses offset housing pickup
Homebuilding strengthens but infrastructure and other nonresidential spending fades in recent months, reversing pattern in early 2019.
Market Data | Feb 4, 2020
IMEG Corp. acquires Clark Engineering
Founded in 1938 in Minneapolis, Clark Engineering has an extensive history of public and private project experience.
Market Data | Jan 30, 2020
U.S. economy expands 2.1% in 4th quarter
Investment in structures contracts.
Market Data | Jan 30, 2020
US construction & real estate industry sees a drop of 30.4% in deal activity in December 2019
A total of 48 deals worth $505.11m were announced in December 2019.
Market Data | Jan 29, 2020
Navigant research report finds global wind capacity value is expected to increase tenfold over the next decade
Wind power is being developed in more countries as well as offshore and onshore.
Market Data | Jan 28, 2020
What eight leading economists predict for nonresidential construction in 2020 and 2021
Public safety, education, and healthcare highlight a market that is entering growth-slowdown mode, but no downturn is projected, according to AIA's latest Consensus Construction Forecast panel.
Market Data | Jan 28, 2020
Los Angeles has the largest hotel construction pipeline in the United States
Los Angeles will have a growth rate of 2.5% with 19 new hotels/2,589 rooms opening.
Market Data | Jan 27, 2020
U.S. hotel construction pipeline finishes 2019 trending upward
Projects under construction continue to rise reaching an all-time high of 1,768 projects.
Market Data | Jan 24, 2020
U.S. Green Building Council releases the top 10 states for LEED
Colorado leads the nation, showing how LEED green buildings support climate action and a better quality of life.
