PCA provides updated construction fundamentals ranking

On its Think Concrete blog, the PCA has provided an updated look at the US state rankings in terms of construction fundamentals, on the basis of third-quarter economic growth and job creation. In the revised rankings, North Dakota, Texas, South Dakota, Washington, DC and Nebraska have the strongest relative construction fundamentals among the US states.

US economic growth hit 3.5% in 3Q14, leading PCA to revise its job creation expectations upwards to 2.7 million for the year. The association reports that job growth plays a critical role in shaping construction recoveries, given that labour markets affect foreclosure rates, home prices, nonresidential vacancy rates and state fiscal conditions.

Yesterday we reported that shipments of Portland and blended cement in the US and Puerto Rico increased by 7% y/y in the eight months to the end of August. In August alone, approximately 6.8 million t of clinker was produced and 8.7 million t of cement was shipped. The industry has been on a more positive trend over the past year or so as the US has experienced the beginnings of a promising economic recovery.

A map showing US construction fundamentals can be viewed on the Think Concrete blog.

Edited from various sources by Katherine Guenioui

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/11112014/pca-provides-updated-construction-fundamentals-ranking-832/