Construction-materials Economist Ed Sullivan is looking at the wind-down of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and is pessimistic about what he sees. The IIJA expires Sept. 30, 2026. While the House Committee on Transportation reached agreement on a replacement of IIJA, it never reached the floor of the House for a full vote. The Senate has no companion…
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Construction-materials Economist Ed Sullivan, author of The Sullivan Report, said in his just-released Summer Outlook 2026 that the U.S. cement market has now declined three consecutive years, shedding more than 10 million metric tons since 2022. Lower volumes have pulled clinker utilization down, reduced import reliance and moderated cement and concrete pricing. The causes are inflation’s pass-through to interest rates, erosion…
Read MoreRecent economic data reflected a modest economic weakening of conditions in the context of elevated inflation, according to Construction Materials Economist Ed Sullivan. Consumer spending increased – but at a rate less than expected. As a result, inventories rose – sending a signal that future production may come in light. GDP for the fourth quarter was revised down from 0.7%…
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Construction materials economist Ed Sullivan has released “Alternative 2026 Outlooks: How the Iran Crisis Could Shift Inflation, Interest Rates and Construction Recovery,” his latest missive on factors that could impact the construction economy.
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The latest Spring 2026 Construction, Cement & Concrete Outlook from The Sullivan Report reveals the impact of the Iran conflict, economic uncertainty and the industries’ recovery timeline shifting.
Read MoreThe Dodge Momentum Index (DMI), issued by Dodge Construction Network grew 7.0% in December to 296.8 (2000=100) from the upwardly revised November reading of 277.4.
Read MoreBy Ed Sullivan The U.S. cement market has been in a decline for three consecutive years. This translates into more than a 10 million metric ton decline since 2022. The volume loss has pushed clinker utilization rates below 80%, reduced reliance on imports, and prompted a moderation in cement and concrete pricing.
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Construction materials economist Ed Sullivan released his 2026 Construction, Cement and Concrete Outlook as the cement market marks three consecutive years in decline.
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By Ed Sullivan All forecasts contain risk that can originate from the data used, the process of calculations, the assumptions, or a combination of each element. Indeed, an infinite number of alternative scenarios to the Baseline Scenario exists, and each materializes with even small changes in assumptions.
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Construction Materials Economist Ed Sullivan just came out with his Summer Forecast. His conclusion: the near-term outlook is sour. The Summer Forecast reflects rising tariff-induced inflation, a significant consumer spending slowdown, a weaker job market, and an initially hesitant Federal Reserve that is slow to cut interest rates.
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