National nonresidential construction spending decreased 0.2% in May, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published today by the U.S. Census Bureau. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $1.06 trillion.
Spending declined on a monthly basis in nine of the 16 nonresidential subcategories. Private nonresidential spending fell 0.3%, while public nonresidential construction spending increased 0.1% in May.
“Nonresidential construction spending declined in May, ending a streak of 11 consecutive monthly increases,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “While spending is up more than 17% over that span, manufacturing-related construction has accounted for the majority of that increase. Excluding the manufacturing segment, nonresidential construction spending is barely outpacing inflation, up just 6% over the past year.
“Contractors remain relatively upbeat, according to ABC’s Construction Confidence Index, and ongoing strength in manufacturing and publicly financed segments justifies that confidence,” said Basu. “Unfortunately, conditions may prove challenging in other segments over the next few quarters. Interest rates remain elevated and are likely to rise at least once more over the second half of 2023, exacerbating already tight credit conditions and ultimately limiting construction activity.”
Related Stories
Market Data | Aug 17, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: August 17, 2020
5 strategies for creating safer hotel experiences and how to manage multifamily assets when residents no longer leave.
Market Data | Aug 14, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: August 14, 2020
The largest single sloped solar array in the country and renewing the healing role of public parks.
Market Data | Aug 13, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: August 13, 2020
Apple Central World opens in Bangkok and 7-Eleven to buy Speedway.
Market Data | Aug 12, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: August 12, 2020
UC Davis's new dining commons and the pandemic is revolutionizing healthcare benefits.
Market Data | Aug 11, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: August 11, 2020
Elevators can be a 100% touch-free experience and the construction industry adds 20,000 employees in July.
Market Data | Aug 10, 2020
Dodge Momentum Index increases in July
This month’s increase in the Dodge Momentum Index was the first in all of 2020.
Market Data | Aug 10, 2020
Construction industry adds 20,000 employees in July but nonresidential employment dips
Association warns skid will worsen without new relief.
Market Data | Aug 10, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: August 10, 2020
Private student housing owners reap the benefits as campus housing de-densifies and race for COVID vaccine boosts real estate in life sciences hubs.
Market Data | Aug 7, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: August 7, 2020
BD+C's 2020 Color Trends Report and HMC releases COVID-19 Campus Reboot Guide for Prek-12 schools.
Market Data | Aug 6, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: August 6, 2020
Oklahoma State's new North Academic Building and can smart buildings outsmart coronavirus?
