SKOKIE, Ill.— Concrete prices in June again remained nearly unchanged with a slight 0.1 percent gain, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index.

Lumber prices increased for the first time in two months, growing by 0.9 percent.

Steel prices increased a slight 0.4 percent while asphalt saw the same 0.1 percent gain as concrete. 

Overall, steel prices increased 10.6 percent during the past year. Asphalt prices rose 7.7 percent in 2006.

Concrete prices have changed at a slower rate, with a 4.5 percent increase from June 2006 price levels.

Lumber prices to date have declined with a 7.9 percent negative change from 2006.

Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics information is provided by PCA to aid in the promotion of concrete and cement-based products.

About PCA
Based in Skokie, Ill., the Portland Cement Association represents cement companies in the United States and Canada. It conducts market development, engineering, research, education, and public affairs programs. More information on PCA programs is available at www.cement.org.

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Editor’s Note:  For more information on PCA Market Research Reports or the Producer Price Index, contact Craig Schulz, director of market research; for additional information on PCA’s Economic Forecasts, contact PCA Chief Economist, Ed Sullivan.