Trendlines Statewide Monthly Construction Data-March 2026

Ready Mix Yardage Drops in October

Data recently released by the United States Geological Service shows cement shipments contracted by 7.5% in October 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. We estimate 565,293 cubic yards of concrete were placed during the month. While the data represents a sharp drop from October 2024 estimates, the tonnage shipped to the state in October was the highest thus far in 2025. After 10 months of data, the state is trailing 2024 totals by 3.9%.

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 49.4 in February 2026, a nearly 5-point increase over January. The South Region continues to track ahead of the national index, coming in at 50.0 in February. Finally, looking to the NAHB builder sentiment index, the index came in at 38 in March, a 1 percent increase from February. Any number below 50 on the AIA index or NAHB index forecast a slowdown in construction activity.