Page 10 - FDMAsia Jul/Aug 2026

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Along with metal construction work, these systems have UK construction sector downturn eases slightly in June

the largest share of the construction price index for residential The downturn in the UK construction sector eased slightly
buildings among fit-out work. Prices for metal construction in June, according to a survey released recently, as reported
work rose by 4.4 percent. by lse.co.uk.
For electrical, security, and information technology systems— The S&P Global UK construction purchasing managers'
which include electric water heaters and communication index ticked up to 38.4 from a six-year low of 38.2 in May.
systems—prices increased by 6.4 percent, and for thermal However, it remained well below the 50.0 mark that
insulation composite systems by 5.0 percent. separates contraction from expansion and construction output
In addition to construction prices, prices for maintenance has now fallen every month since January 2025.
work on residential buildings (excluding cosmetic repairs) are The latest decline was the second-fastest since the start

also recorded. These were 5.6 percent higher in May 2026 of the pandemic, S&P Global said.
than in the same month of the previous year. Tim Moore, economics director at S&P Global Market
New building prices for office buildings rose by 5.2 percent Intelligence, said: "The downturn in UK construction output lost
between May 2025 and May 2026, and for commercial some intensity in June amid a softer reduction in commercial
operational buildings by 5.0 percent. In road construction, building work.
prices in May 2026 increased by 6.2 percent compared to House building and civil engineering activity nonetheless
May 2025. registered sharper declines than in May, with the latter