US contractors’ body the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) has again called for an end to tariff confusion after September data showed steep price rises in several crucial material categories.
The producer price index for aluminium mill shapes increased 1.7% last month and 26% from September 2024, according to its analysis of latest government figures.
President Trump imposed 50% tariffs on imports of the metal in June.
The US imports around half of the aluminium it uses, with 58% of imports coming from Canada, says Dutch banking group, ING.
The index for steel mill products fell 1.5% in September but climbed by 12.4% over the past 12 months.
Precast concrete products rose 0.3% for the month and 5.5% year-over-year, while diesel rose 1.8% for the month and 8.2% on the year, said AGC.
‘Stop and go rhythm’
“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, AGC’s senior research analyst, adding, “these month-to-month swings make it harder for firms to plan confidently and protect already-thin margins.”
AGC chief executive Jeffrey D. Shoaf said: “Contractors can manage modest cost increases, but they need a predictable environment to keep projects moving.
“Greater clarity on tariff policy and progress on outstanding trade issues would help stabilise materials markets and give firms more confidence to plan for the work ahead.”
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