In 2017, Construction Input Pricing Increased Overall

The Bureau of Labor Statistics' most recent Producer Price Index (PPI) showed that prices paid for OSB and softwood lumber decreased in December 2017.

In 2017 overall, prices paid increased for every major input to construction that the National Association of Home Builders monitors. Softwood lumber and OSB were up overall between 13.2 and 13.4 percent. Gypsum prices were up 7.4 percent, and ready-mix concrete pricing went up 2.9 percent.

Due to methodology, OSB data in the PPI lags market conditions. As additional OSB capacity has come online, prices have predictably fallen. December’s PPI captured the beginning of this trend that dates back to early November according to Random Lengths. Price information for structural panels as recent as early January 2018 is included.

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