{
  "query": "UK construction cost inflation 2024-2026 steel sector",
  "raw_results": [
    {
      "url": "https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/may/07/uk-construction-firms-experiencing-sharpest-cost-rise-30-years",
      "title": "UK construction firms face some of sharpest cost rises in nearly 30 ...",
      "content": "Cost inflation, which accounts for expenses such as raw materials and labour, rose last month to the highest level since June 2022, according to a PMI survey. Monthly rise in prices of fuel and raw materials, driven by Iran war, is one of steepest since survey began in 1997. Construction companies in the UK are experiencing some of the sharpest cost rises in nearly 30 years as the war in Iran drives up prices for fuel and raw materials, according to a closely watched survey. The poll of UK construction companies found that input cost inflation – which accounts for expenses such as raw materials, energy and labour – rose last month to the highest level since June 2022 when there was a spike in commodity prices caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The monthly purchasing managers’ index (PMI) for construction activity, considered one of the best indicators of growth in the sector, fell to 39.7 in April, the lowest level since last November and down from 45.6 in March.",
      "score": 0.98559,
      "raw_content": null,
      "from_cache": true
    },
    {
      "url": "https://coremetsteel.com/news-insights/uk-steel-price-forecast-2025-2026/",
      "title": "UK Steel Price Forecast 2025–2026 | Market Outlook",
      "content": "# UK Steel Price Forecast 2025–2026: What Fabricators, Builders & Manufacturers Need to Know. The **UK steel price forecast for 2025–2026** is a key concern for builders and fabricators as the market shifts after recent volatility. Steel prices in the UK are entering a period of moderate but steady movement, making 2025–2026 an important planning window for builders, fabricators, and procurement teams. **Key UK Steel Price Trends and Market Outlook for 2025–2026**. In 2024, UK steel prices saw moderate increases as energy costs settled and imports from Turkey and Asia increased competitiveness. UK steel prices are expected to rise gradually due to stronger construction demand, global scrap trends, and steady energy costs. Better GBP performance and improved global supply chains will support predictable steel pricing across the UK market. * **Scrap Steel Prices:** Particularly impactful for merchant bars and rebar. For additional global pricing data and long-term market trends, you can refer to the World Steel Association, which publishes up-to-date research and industry reports: https://worldsteel.org.",
      "score": 0.98518,
      "raw_content": null,
      "from_cache": true
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-builders-hit-by-biggest-surge-cost-inflation-nearly-four-years-2026-05-07/",
      "title": "UK builders hit by biggest surge in cost inflation in nearly four years",
      "content": "*   [World](https://www.reuters.com/world/). ## [Browse World](https://www.reuters.com/world/). *   [Africa](https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/). *   [Americas](https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/). *   [China](https://www.reuters.com/world/china/). *   [Europe](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/). *   [India](https://www.reuters.com/world/india/). *   [Iran War](https://www.reuters.com/world/iran/). *   [Japan](https://www.reuters.com/world/japan/). *   [United Kingdom](https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/). *   [United States](https://www.reuters.com/world/us/). *   [Business](https://www.reuters.com/business/). ## [Browse Business](https://www.reuters.com/business/). *   [Davos](https://www.reuters.com/business/davos/). *   [Energy](https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/). *   [Environment](https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/). *   [Finance](https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/). *   [Take Five](https://www.reuters.com/business/take-five/). *   [World at Work](https://www.reuters.com/business/world-at-work/). *   [Markets](https://www.reuters.com/markets/). ## [Browse Markets](https://www.reuters.com/markets/). *   [On the Money](https://www.reuters.com/markets/on-the-money/). *   [Commodities](https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/). *   [Currencies](https://www.reuters.com/markets/currencies/). *   [Deals](https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/). *   [ETFs](https://www.reuters.com/markets/etf/). *   [Funds](https://www.reuters.com/markets/funds/). *   [Stocks](https://www.reuters.com/markets/stocks/). *   [U.S. Markets](https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/). *   [Wealth](https://www.reuters.com/markets/wealth/). *   [Sustainability](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/). ## [Browse Sustainability](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/). *   [Legal](https://www.reuters.com/legal/). ## [Browse Legal](https://www.reuters.com/legal/). ## [Commentary](https://www.reuters.com/commentary/). ## [Technology](https://www.reuters.com/technology/). ## [Investigations](https://www.reuters.com/investigations/). ## [Sports](https://www.reuters.com/sports/). ## [Science](https://www.reuters.com/science/). ## [Lifestyle](https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/). ## [Graphics](https://www.reuters.com/graphics/). ## [Pictures](https://www.reuters.com/pictures/). ## [Podcasts](https://www.reuters.com/podcasts/). ## [Live](https://www.reuters.com/live/). ## [Video](https://www.reuters.com/video/). *   [United Kingdom](https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/). ## [World](https://www.reuters.com/world/). *   [Home](https://www.reuters.com/). *   [Archive](https://www.reuters.com/archive/). *    [Videos](https://www.reuters.com/video/). *    [Pictures](https://www.reuters.com/pictures/). *    [Graphics](https://www.reuters.com/graphics/). *    [Podcasts](https://www.reuters.com/podcasts/). *   [Home](https://www.reuters.com/). *   [Archive](https://www.reuters.com/archive/). *   [World](https://www.reuters.com/world/). *   [Business](https://www.reuters.com/business/). *   [Markets](https://www.reuters.com/markets/). *   [Sustainability](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/). *   [Legal](https://www.reuters.com/legal/). *   [Breakingviews](https://www.reuters.com/breakingviews/). *   [Technology](https://www.reuters.com/technology/). *   [Investigations](https://www.reuters.com/investigations/). *   [Sports](https://www.reuters.com/sports/). *   [Science](https://www.reuters.com/science/). *   [Lifestyle](https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/). *    [Videos](https://www.reuters.com/video/). *    [Pictures](https://www.reuters.com/pictures/). *    [Graphics](https://www.reuters.com/graphics/). *    [Podcasts](https://www.reuters.com/podcasts/). *   [Newsletters](https://www.reuters.com/newsletters/). *   [](https://www.facebook.com/Reuters). *   [](https://www.instagram.com/Reuters).",
      "score": 0.98163,
      "raw_content": null,
      "from_cache": true
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/sections/long-reads/why-are-construction-material-prices-rising-14-05-2026/",
      "title": "Why are construction material prices rising? | Construction News",
      "content": "The price of aggregates is up 8.4 per cent, fabricated structural steel 8.2 per cent and non-aqueous paint 6.1 per cent in the year to the end of March 2026, recently released government figures show. Inflation for materials used across all types of building work rose 2.6 per cent, while that used in new housing increased by 2.9 per cent, and repair and maintenance by 2.6 per cent. Inflation across materials used in all types of work rose 0.9 per cent from February to March. Last month, a statement from the Construction Leadership Council’s materials group, which is led by the BMF and Construction Products Association, called for more transparency over price increases, arguing that a lack of detailed explanation around these made it difficult to justify the increasing costs. With oil prices up by nearly 70 per cent on last year, housebuilders, developers, contractors and merchants will be seeing double-digit price inflation on many products, he adds.",
      "score": 0.98137,
      "raw_content": null,
      "from_cache": true
    },
    {
      "url": "https://construction-today.com/news/uk-construction-faces-its-toughest-inflation-shock-in-decades/",
      "title": "UK construction faces its toughest inflation shock in decades",
      "content": "Construction TodayConstruction in London amid rising material and fuel costs in 2026. Subscribe to our free newsletter today to keep up to date with the latest construction news. Britain’s construction industry is entering another period of severe stress as rising material costs, geopolitical instability and weak demand combine to pressure builders across the country. New data from S&P Global suggests the sector is facing one of its most difficult operating environments since the financial crisis, with activity contracting sharply while input costs accelerate at the fastest pace in nearly 30 years. Housing delivery remains central to Labour’s economic agenda, while major infrastructure projects continue to compete for funding against a deteriorating fiscal backdrop. The pressure on construction costs is becoming a direct challenge to the government’s housing ambitions. Labour has pledged to accelerate housebuilding across England and increase long-term supply, yet developers argue that the economics of residential construction remain difficult under current market conditions.",
      "score": 0.97983,
      "raw_content": null,
      "from_cache": true
    }
  ],
  "formatted": "Source: UK construction firms face some of sharpest cost rises in nearly 30 ...\nURL: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/may/07/uk-construction-firms-experiencing-sharpest-cost-rise-30-years\nCost inflation, which accounts for expenses such as raw materials and labour, rose last month to the highest level since June 2022, according to a PMI survey. Monthly rise in prices of fuel and raw materials, driven by Iran war, is one of steepest since survey began in 1997. Construction companies in the UK are experiencing some of the sharpest cost rises in nearly 30 years as the war in Iran drives up prices for fuel and raw materials, according to a closely watched survey. The poll of UK construction companies found that input cost inflation – which accounts for expenses such as raw materials, energy and labour – rose last month to the highest level since June 2022 when there was a spike in commodity prices caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The monthly purchasing managers’ index (PMI) for construction activity, considered one of the best indicators of growth in the sector, fell to 39.7 in April, the lowest level since last November and down from 45.6 in March.\n\n---\n\nSource: UK Steel Price Forecast 2025–2026 | Market Outlook\nURL: https://coremetsteel.com/news-insights/uk-steel-price-forecast-2025-2026/\n# UK Steel Price Forecast 2025–2026: What Fabricators, Builders & Manufacturers Need to Know. The **UK steel price forecast for 2025–2026** is a key concern for builders and fabricators as the market shifts after recent volatility. Steel prices in the UK are entering a period of moderate but steady movement, making 2025–2026 an important planning window for builders, fabricators, and procurement teams. **Key UK Steel Price Trends and Market Outlook for 2025–2026**. In 2024, UK steel prices saw moderate increases as energy costs settled and imports from Turkey and Asia increased competitiveness. UK steel prices are expected to rise gradually due to stronger construction demand, global scrap trends, and steady energy costs. Better GBP performance and improved global supply chains will support predictable steel pricing across the UK market. * **Scrap Steel Prices:** Particularly impactful for merchant bars and rebar. For additional global pricing data and long-term market trends, you can refer to the World Steel Association, which publishes up-to-date research and industry reports: https://worldsteel.org.\n\n---\n\nSource: UK builders hit by biggest surge in cost inflation in nearly four years\nURL: https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-builders-hit-by-biggest-surge-cost-inflation-nearly-four-years-2026-05-07/\n* [World](https://www.reuters.com/world/). ## [Browse World](https://www.reuters.com/world/). * [Africa](https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/). * [Americas](https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/). * [China](https://www.reuters.com/world/china/). * [Europe](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/). * [India](https://www.reuters.com/world/india/). * [Iran War](https://www.reuters.com/world/iran/). * [Japan](https://www.reuters.com/world/japan/). * [United Kingdom](https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/). * [United States](https://www.reuters.com/world/us/). * [Business](https://www.reuters.com/business/). ## [Browse Business](https://www.reuters.com/business/). * [Davos](https://www.reuters.com/business/davos/). * [Energy](https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/). * [Environment](https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/). * [Finance](https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/). * [Take Five](https://www.reuters.com/business/take-five/). * [World at Work](https://www.reuters.com/business/world-at-work/). * [Markets](https://www.reuters.com/markets/). ## [Browse Markets](https://www.reuters.com/markets/). * [On the Money](https://www.reuters.com/markets/on-the-money/). * [Commodities](https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/). * [Currencies](https://www.reuters.com/markets/currencies/). * [Deals](https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/). * [ETFs](https://www.reuters.com/markets/etf/). * [Funds](https://www.reuters.com/markets/funds/). * [Stocks](https://www.reuters.com/markets/stocks/). * [U.S. Markets](https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/). * [Wealth](https://www.reuters.com/markets/wealth/). * [Sustainability](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/). ## [Browse Sustainability](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/). * [Legal](https://www.reuters.com/legal/). ## [Bro\n\n---\n\nSource: Why are construction material prices rising? | Construction News\nURL: https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/sections/long-reads/why-are-construction-material-prices-rising-14-05-2026/\nThe price of aggregates is up 8.4 per cent, fabricated structural steel 8.2 per cent and non-aqueous paint 6.1 per cent in the year to the end of March 2026, recently released government figures show. Inflation for materials used across all types of building work rose 2.6 per cent, while that used in new housing increased by 2.9 per cent, and repair and maintenance by 2.6 per cent. Inflation across materials used in all types of work rose 0.9 per cent from February to March. Last month, a statement from the Construction Leadership Council’s materials group, which is led by the BMF and Construction Products Association, called for more transparency over price increases, arguing that a lack of detailed explanation around these made it difficult to justify the increasing costs. With oil prices up by nearly 70 per cent on last year, housebuilders, developers, contractors and merchants will be seeing double-digit price inflation on many products, he adds.\n\n---\n\nSource: UK construction faces its toughest inflation shock in decades\nURL: https://construction-today.com/news/uk-construction-faces-its-toughest-inflation-shock-in-decades/\nConstruction TodayConstruction in London amid rising material and fuel costs in 2026. Subscribe to our free newsletter today to keep up to date with the latest construction news. Britain’s construction industry is entering another period of severe stress as rising material costs, geopolitical instability and weak demand combine to pressure builders across the country. New data from S&P Global suggests the sector is facing one of its most difficult operating environments since the financial crisis, with activity contracting sharply while input costs accelerate at the fastest pace in nearly 30 years. Housing delivery remains central to Labour’s economic agenda, while major infrastructure projects continue to compete for funding against a deteriorating fiscal backdrop. The pressure on construction costs is becoming a direct challenge to the government’s housing ambitions. Labour has pledged to accelerate housebuilding across England and increase long-term supply, yet developers argue that the economics of residential construction remain difficult under current market conditions."
}