Price spikes for several key construction materials in September threaten to push contractors out of business, according to an analysis of federal figures released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. The recent surge comes despite mild year-over-year changes in materials prices overall.

Construction spending declined between July and August to an annualized rate of $837 billion, but increased compared to August 2011, according to an analysis of new federal data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that growing demand for residential, lodging and education construction in particular offset drops in public construction spending.

Construction employment declined in 30 states from August 2011 to August 2012 and in 26 states in the past month, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data. Association officials noted that construction employment declined in most states even as long term infrastructure programs and tax measures languish.

I’ve just returned from a week of meeting central bankers, business executives and think-tank economists in four European cities. I was part of a delegation of U.S. and Canadian members of the National Association for Business Economics, the professional organization for which I’ll serve as president for a year beginning in October.

Construction employers added 1,000 jobs in August while the industry’s unemployment rate fell to 11.3 percent, according to an analysis of new federal data released today by AGC.  The unemployment declines come as the construction industry continues to shrink, association officials noted, adding that over 214,000 workers have left the industry since August 2011.

Construction spending in July maintained consistent year-over-year growth despite a pullback from the June peak, according to an analysis of new federal data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America.  Association officials said they expect the disparity between private and public construction to persist unless Washington acts to fix infrastructure funding challenges and pass long-delayed measures.

Construction employment declined in 165 out of 337 metropolitan areas between July 2011 and July 2012, increased in 123 and was stagnant in 49, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that the new data comes out as many metro areas continue to struggle with constricting public sector budgets and uneven private sector growth.

Prices for a wide variety of construction materials and fuel have suddenly heated up. By documenting recent and past price changes, AGC helps members with future work, current projects and previous bids that may have been shelved.

Construction employment declined in 31 states from July 2011 to July 2012 and in 28 states in the past month, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data. Association officials noted that construction employment decreased in the majority of states as public construction funding continues to shrink, offsetting gains in homebuilding and nonresidential construction.

The cost of key construction materials dropped for the third consecutive month in July, pushing down year-over-year prices for the first time since 2009, according to an analysis of producer price index figures released today by the Associated General Contractors of America.