IHS Markit: Engineering, Construction Cost Increases Slow in November

Shipping rates rose for the 15th consecutive month in November, though the sub-index for ocean freight costs from both Europe and Asia to the United States fell to 77.8 from 84.6 and 85.7 respectively, indicating price increases were less widespread than in October. The electrical equipment sub-index also fell to 77.8 in November from 85.7 in October. The sub-index for copper-based wire and cable prices fell to 59.1 from 78.6 last month.

The sub-index for current subcontractor labor costs came in at 70.9 in November, an increase from October’s index figure of 66.5. According to survey responses, labor costs continued to rise in all regions of the United States and Canada, particularly in the western region of the United States.

The six-month headline expectations for future construction costs index totaled 76.1 in November, as respondents still expect prices to continue increasing through the middle of 2022. Recording a total much higher than prior months, the six-month expectations index for sub-contractor labor recorded a reading of 94.4, with respondents expecting labor cost to increase robustly in all regions of the United States and Canada. Further, this sub-index total is 14.1 index points higher than last month’s reading of 80.3 and marks the 15th consecutive month of readings above 50 for the sub-index.

Some survey respondents still report shortages for materials, especially metals, and difficulty in hiring new workers for projects. Proposal activity has reached its highest index level ever recorded at 81.8 in November.