Trendlines Statewide Monthly Construction Data- May 2022

February Concrete Demand Remained Hot

Data recently released by the United States Geological Service shows 128,223 tons of cement were shipped to the state during the month of February 2022. Cement shipments grew 22% over the same month in 2021. Cement consumption for the first two months of 2022 is outpacing 2021 by 18.5%.

Looking to ready mix volumes, we estimate 474,810 cubic yards of concrete were placed during the month. The yardage is the largest February total since Trendlines began tracking the data. The NAHB housing market index dropped from 82 to 76 for the month of May in the South. The drop comes on the heels of new home sales declining by 16% in April compared to the same period in 2021. The AIA billing index dropped from 58 in March to a 56.5 in April. The index is considered a good barometer of upcoming commercial
construction.