Trendlines Newsletter- September 2026

Alabama Cement Shipments Continues Upward Trend

Recently released data from the U.S. Geological Survey indicates that cement shipments in Alabama increased 1.6% in April 2026 compared with April 2025. Based on shipment volumes, an estimated 526,367 cubic yards of ready-mixed concrete were placed during the month. April marked the fourth consecutive month in which cement shipments exceeded levels recorded during the same month in 2025. Year to date, both cement shipments and estimated ready-mixed concrete volumes are approximately 3% ahead of 2025 levels.

Broader construction indicators continue to present a mixed outlook. The University of Alabama Center for Real Estate’s July 2026 report shows projected homebuilding starts increased 16.4% compared with July 2025. Through the first seven months of the year, projected housing starts are running approximately 15% above 2025 levels. Conversely, the AIA Architecture Billings Index registered 46.6 in July, slightly below its June reading. The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index fell to 32 in September, down three points from August. Readings below 50 on both indexes generally indicate contracting business conditions or weaker expectations for future construction activity.