The most recently available pricing data for construction materials show steep increases over the past year as contractors face an at-best stagnant market for construction projects. 

Precast concrete products in September cost 5.5% more than they did a year prior, according to the most recent federal pricing data. Diesel fuel was up 8.2% year over year. Metals had the starkest changes with steel mill products up 12.4% and aluminum mill products up 26%. Those increases make margins even thinner and dampen outlooks, the Association of General Contractors of America said in a release. 

“Persistent input-price pressure, even when the increases are modest, creates a stop and go rhythm in procurement and production instead of a steady flow contractors and suppliers need.” said Macrina Wilkins, the association’s senior research analyst, in a statement. 

Association officials said rising costs are accompanied by cooling bid prices on projects. That imbalance makes it challenging for builders to conduct business and prepare for the long term.  

“Contractors can manage modest cost increases, but they need a predictable environment to keep projects moving,” said Jeffrey D. Shoaf, AGC’s CEO, in a statement. “Greater clarity on tariff policy and progress on outstanding trade issues would help stabilize materials markets and give firms more confidence to plan for the work ahead.”