Asphalt, concrete prices stabilize; still outpace inflation

摘要

Expect the price of construction materials to rise by 6% to 8%, says Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), Arlington, Va. While Simonson's forecast covers several primary construction materials, asphalt and concrete are central to his predicted increase. By late last year, it appeared that cement price increases in 2007 would be less severe than in 2006. (Prices rose 11% in the 12 months ending Sept. 30, 2006.) Diesel fuel and asphalt prices, which spiked in 2006, could move in either direction this year depending on international events.