According to the Data Digest, a publication of the Associated General Contractors of America, construction experienced drops in value of nonresidential construction starts, industrial production of supplies and construction employment. The consumer price index and construction materials prices both reported slight increases.
The industrial production of construction supplies fell 0.2 percent from May and 21 percent over 12 months. Manufacturing capacity utilization, which normally averages around 79.6 percent, fell to 64.6 percent of capacity.
The Energy Information Administration reported more declines in the cost of diesel fuel, now at an average of $2.50 per gallon, which is 47 percent less than last year.
Over the past year, construction employment dropped in every state except for North Dakota, with a 5.2 percent increase, and Louisiana, with a four percent increase. Since May 2009, 14 states reported increases in employment.
The Consumer Price Index rose 0.7 percent from May, but declined 1.4 percent over one year, says Data Digest.
Increases were reported in construction materials prices for steel and aggregates. Nucor-Yamato Steel announced a $40-per-ton increase in prices, along with a zero to six percent increase in aggregate prices from Lafarge Aggregates and Concrete.
For more information on construction data reports, visit the Data Digest.
