Key takeaways
US concrete prices may see only modest movement in 2026 as cost pressure is balanced by weak demand and policy uncertainty. In Canada, easing demand is expected to push prices lower.
US concrete prices marginally edged down in 2025, reflecting weak construction demand and underutilized ready-mix plant capacity. Prices became more volatile between Q4 2025 and Q1 2026. An initial uptick was driven by higher sand and gravel prices, which increased by 3% in January 2026.
Concrete costs are influenced not only by cement prices but also by transportation and labor costs. These inputs are expected to rise in the coming quarters, driven by higher energy and logistics costs linked to the Middle East conflict. However, price upside remains limited by soft demand. Prices could rise later in the year if construction activity improves. Looking further ahead, the outlook is uncertain. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is set to sunset on September 30th 2026, and reauthorization remains unclear. A slowdown in infrastructure spending after this point could reduce demand and place renewed downward pressure on prices.
Regional variation remains significant. Transportation distances, local labor costs, and state-level permitting and tax structures all contribute to wide pricing differences across the US.
Concrete prices in Canada remained elevated in the 2025, supported by strong residential construction demand and higher cement prices. Prices then saw a moderate dip in Q4 2025 and Q1 2026, reflecting lower seasonal activity at the end of the year. Looking ahead, prices are expected to moderate further as construction activity may soften amid global uncertainty.
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