June Marks Highest Yearly Increase in Building Material Prices Since February 2023
Inputs to residential construction (goods less food and energy) — which represent building materials used in residential construction — rose 0.19% in June, according to the most recent producer price index (PPI) report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In May, the index fell 0.26% after rising 0.22% in April.
Year-over-year growth has continued to climb this year — June’s increase of 2.65% was the highest since February 2023. Despite overall inflation declining, prices for inputs to residential construction have accelerated since the start of the year, leaving home builders to continue to deal with higher building material prices.
Specific increases include:
- Softwood lumber rose 3.41% in June, after falling 5% in May.
- Gypsum building materials were unchanged for the second consecutive month but were up 2.32% over the year.
- Ready-mix concrete rose 0.45% in June after rising a revised reading of 0.26% in May.
Meanwhile, steel mill products fell 1.18% in June after rising 0.54% in May, and copper fell 2.67% in June, the first monthly decline since February of this year.
Jesse Wade, NAHB director of tax and trade policy analysis, provides more details in this Eye on Housing post.
Latest from NAHBNow
Advocacy
Sep 04, 2026
NAHB’s Monthly Update Features Trade and Economic Trends
Stay informed on the issues shaping the housing industry by reviewing the monthly update talking points. The latest edition includes messages on trade issues and market conditions.
PWB Week | Membership
Sep 04, 2026
Join NAHB in Celebrating Professional Women in Building Week Sept. 14-18
Join NAHB for a week of inspiring events and learning opportunities that showcase the achievements of women the industry. PWB Week will also highlight our efforts to promote, train, advance and recruit more women into the field.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Sep 02, 2026
House Price Appreciation by State and Metro Area in the Second Quarter of 2026
U.S. house prices continued to rise in the second quarter of 2026, with most states and metropolitan areas recording annual gains. Elevated borrowing costs and affordability constraints remained important headwinds, while limited housing supply continued to support prices in many markets, particularly across parts of the Midwest and Northeast.
Economics
Sep 01, 2026
Number of Open Construction Sector Positions Rising
The number of open positions in the construction sector increased in July per the Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). The current level of open jobs is down from three years ago due to declines in construction activity, particularly in housing.
Economics
Sep 01, 2026
HBGI Q2 2026: Single-Family Construction Contracts Broadly While Multifamily Expands
Home building trends diverged across geographies in the second quarter of 2026. According to the Home Building Geography Index (HBGI), single-family construction declined in nearly all geographic categories, although the contraction eased in most markets from the first quarter.