Story perspectives

Domestic Goods Surge to 90% of Construction Input Costs

4/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

In April 2026, domestically produced goods account for 90% of the construction input price index.
Year-over-year, domestic prices rose 2.6% while imports fell 2.7%.
Trade services, the largest component of the Producer Price Index, increased 3.3%.
Transportation and warehousing services rose 6.2%, and other services grew 1.5%.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics introduced new data to track input costs for new construction, integrating domestic and import prices.

History

Historical Context

The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, enacted on June 17, 1930, raised U.S. tariffs on over 20,000 imported goods, aiming to protect American industries during the Great Depression. However, it led to a 66% drop in U.S. imports by 1933, exacerbating global trade declines and prompting retaliatory tariffs from other nations. This act is often cited as a significant factor worsening the economic crisis.

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Story summary

In April 2026, domestically produced goods account for 90% of the construction input price index.
Year-over-year, domestic prices rose 2.6% while imports fell 2.7%.
Trade services, the largest component of the Producer Price Index, increased 3.3%.
Transportation and warehousing services rose 6.2%, and other services grew 1.5%.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics introduced new data to track input costs for new construction, integrating domestic and import prices.

1 / 2