Dec. 8, 2005 - BUILDING COSTS ON THE RISE

According to the Associated General Contractors of America, shortages of cement and higher prices for building materials could have a significant impact on construction next year. Ken Simonson, chief economist for the trade group, reports that the price index for copper and brass increased 21 percent; for asphalt, 18 percent; and gypsum products, 15 percent. Commercial construction could be especially hard hit, as both cement and polyvinyl chloride pipe face supply shortages. In response, the Associated General Contractors is now calling on the Department of Commerce to suspend the 55-percent anti-dumping duty that now applies to Mexican cement as a way to help alleviate the shortage.

Source: Wall Street Journal (11/27/05) P. A4; Morrissey, Janet
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