Methodology
Linesight commissions independent global research to track construction activity, materials and commodity prices.
The approach and methodology for the collection of construction material pricing and other indicators is based on both primary and secondary research.
Primary and secondary research
Primary research is conducted on a quarterly basis with stakeholders in the value chain, including manufacturers and suppliers/distributors of the target materials, to ascertain market information on prices in recent quarters, and also on projections for changes in the coming quarter and remainder of the year. The market analysis also involves a thorough assessment of secondary sources of data on materials and labour prices, in addition to underlying demand and supply trends that will impact market prices.
Sources include GlobalData’s Construction Intelligence Center (CIC), the World Bank, IMF and OECD, as well as country-specific national statistics offices, such as the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and also industry-specific associations and publications.
Definitions
- All commodities are raw materials.
- Nominal data series do not exclude changes in prices and are also referred to as current price series. Annual changes in nominal data for construction output will include changes in construction activity, as well as changes in costs for materials and equipment.
- Real data series are calculated by keeping prices constant (so, are also referred to as constant price series), and therefore, they reflect changes in activity only. Growth rates in nominal terms can overstate the pace of growth in construction activity if there is high inflation stemming from rising prices for key inputs.
- Level of impact rating reflects a combination of factors: price change (compared to recent past beyond the last quarter), the importance of the material, and the general state of the supply chain in terms of stability.
- The key site locations and their respective project values indicated in the sector maps are based on information sourced from the GlobalData Intelligence Center and data available in the public domain at the time of writing this report. These maps are indicative only and do not represent the exact project values.
- High-tech industrial projects are focused on advanced manufacturing in semiconductors and batteries. They include semiconductor fabrication, assembly, testing, packaging (OSAT), and lithium-ion battery production for EVs and energy storage. These projects cover fabs, chip design, battery cell manufacturing, and cleanroom environments linked to chip and energy technologies.
- Price change (estimate vs forecast) indicates the level of fluctuation expected in the prices between the current quarter (Q1 2025) and the upcoming quarter’s forecasted price (Q2 2025).
- Material availability refers to the total quantity of a given material accessible within a country for construction purposes, derived from the sum of domestic production and imports. When material supply exceeds the demand, it is characterised as a surplus. A balanced situation occurs when the supply is sufficient to meet the demand. Conversely, a deficit is observed when the demand for the material outstrips the available supply.
- General state of supply chain reflects the ease of domestic goods movement and the current state of international trade routes. This encompasses challenges related to port capacity, the availability of personnel in the logistics industry, and any geopolitical circumstances that may impede the transportation of goods.
Abbreviations
Acknowledgments
Linesight wishes to thank all who took the time to contribute to this report, including, but not limited to:
Advisory team leads
- Brian Coyle - Regional Director, ANZ
- Garvan Barry - Regional Director, North Asia
- Steve Raye - Associate Director - Cost Management
- Steven Tam - Associate Director - Cost Management
Contributors
- Ameya Gumaste - Executive Director and Country Head (India)
- Kevin Gardiner - Director - GCC
- Takehiko Yuge - Country Manager, Japan
- Joey Lui - Project Manager
Disclaimer
This report contains information, data and analysis related to the construction industry. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is important to note that the market is subject to various factors, uncertainties, and changes that may impact the accuracy or reliability of the report's contents. By using the report, you acknowledge and agree that Linesight assumes no responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies, errors, omissions or losses that may arise from your reliance on the information presented in the report.
It is essential that users exercise their independent judgment, conduct their own research, and seek professional advice before making any decisions based on the information contained within the report.
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© Linesight