AGC's Data DIGest: Oct. 12-16, 2026
Reshaping the Industry
Industry Insights:
- Sustainable Value
- Social Responsibility
- Government Actions
- Panorama
- Signals and Signposts
Workforce and Labor Trends:
A Sustainable Workforce Starts With You
Input Prices Surge and Construction PPI Increases
Input prices for new nonresidential construction jumped 11.9% year-over-year (y/y) from September 2025 to September 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' producer price index (PPI) data. The PPI for new nonresidential building construction rose 5.4% y/y.
Key drivers include:
- Global Demand and Tight Supplies: Diesel fuel prices increased 115% y/y, and liquid asphalt rose 18%.
- Metal Tariffs: Tariffs of up to 50% have pushed up metal prices, with 25% y/y increases for aluminum, 28% for steel, and 30% for copper and brass.
Union Craft Worker Settlements
First-year increases in newly negotiated settlements for union craft workers in the construction industry averaged 4.9% from January through September 2026. While 2025 settlements averaged 4.6%, there was a drop in smaller settlements (3.5% or less).
Regional and craft variations:
- Regions: Increases ranged from 4.5% in the Northwest to 5.8% in the Northeast.
- Crafts: Ranges from 3.4% for roofers to 6.3% for carpenters.
Total package increases for union construction crafts across all contract years were 4.2%, with projections of around 4.3% by 2028.
Economic Activity across Federal Reserve Districts
The latest Beige Book from the Federal Reserve reported varied economic activity across 12 districts:
- Two districts noted moderate growth.
- Three reported modest growth.
- Four indicated slight growth.
- Three reported no significant change.
Labor supply was generally adequate, but shortages persisted for specialized, technical, and skilled trade workers.
District Comments:
- Boston: Construction slowed due to overbuilding and high costs.
- New York: Steady construction activity, with stronger wage growth.
- Other districts: Specific comments related to data centers and manufacturing spaces.