Softwood lumber prices expanded in April while building materials prices are down 0.2%

Posted on May 22, 2023   |  

In April, building materials prices fell by 0.2% despite increased softwood lumber prices, the index has grown 0.5% year to date (YTD), the slightest YTD increase since 2020.

The PPI for softwood lumber (seasonally adjusted) grew by 6.2% for the 1st time since July 2022 and the 2nd time since March 2022. 

Prices grew by 0.9% YTD but are 40.1% down compared to one year ago.

The PPI for goods inputs to residential buildings and energy were unchanged due to a 1.7% increase in energy prices neutralized drops in different product classes. Last year, the index fell by 0.8% but compared to pre-2020 movements, it is an increase of  23.9%. 

Gypsum building materials prices grew by 12.1% compared to 2022 but began dropping in September 2022, and since 7 months prices grew by 0.6%.