Trendlines Statewide Monthly Construction Data-February 2026

Alabama Cement Shipments Jump in September

Data recently released by the United States Geological Service shows cement shipments jumped by 20.6% in September 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. We estimate 528,237 cubic yards of concrete were placed during the month. The unexpected September increase resulted in the third highest shipments for a month year to date. Even with the surge in September, the state is still lagging 2024 volumes by 3.6%.

Examining industry economic reports, the University of Alabama’s Center for Real Estate December 2025 report shows projected home building starts ended the year 7.9% behind the 2024 totals. Looking to the AIA Billing Index, the number came in at 43.8 in January 2026, a nearly 4-point drop from December. One bright spot in the report, was the billing index for the South Region jumped to 50.2, the first time in over a year it has exceeded 50. Finally, looking to the NAHB builder sentiment index, the index came in at 36 in February, a 1 percent decrease from January. Any number below 50 on the AIA index or NAHB index forecast a slowdown in construction activity.