{
  "query": "UK construction material price index trends 2026 steel sector",
  "claims": [
    {
      "claim": "The price of concrete reinforcing bars (steel) decreased by 7.2% in the 12 months leading to February 2026.",
      "verbatim_quote": "Concrete reinforcing bars (steel) | -7.2",
      "source_url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/building-materials-and-components-statistics-march-2026/construction-building-materials-commentary-march-2026",
      "relevance": "high"
    },
    {
      "claim": "The overall construction material price index for 'All work' increased by 2.1% in February 2026 compared with February 2025.",
      "verbatim_quote": "According to the UK Government’s latest Building Materials and Components Statistics (March 2026), the overall construction material price index for all work increased by 2.1% in February 2026 compared with February 2025.",
      "source_url": "https://hamiltonsteelbuildings.com/construction-material-price-rises-in-2026/",
      "relevance": "high"
    },
    {
      "claim": "The UK steel market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.09% from 2026 to 2034.",
      "verbatim_quote": "growing at a compound annual growth rate of 3.09% from 2026-2034.",
      "source_url": "https://www.imarcgroup.com/uk-steel-market",
      "relevance": "medium"
    },
    {
      "claim": "The UK steel market is subject to price volatility due to global cycles, currency movements, and import competition.",
      "verbatim_quote": "The UK steel market is exposed to global price cycles, currency movements, and import competition from lower-cost producers. At times of global overcapacity, surges in imported flat, long, or specialty products can put downward pressure on domestic prices.",
      "source_url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/sectors/energy/articles/united-kingdom-steel-industry-report-090900606.html",
      "relevance": "medium"
    },
    {
      "claim": "The material price index for 'Other new work' (which includes infrastructure and commercial projects using steel) increased by 1.1% year-on-year in February 2026.",
      "verbatim_quote": "Other new work | 1.1",
      "source_url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/building-materials-and-components-statistics-march-2026/construction-building-materials-commentary-march-2026",
      "relevance": "high"
    }
  ],
  "market_context": "- [HIGH] The price of concrete reinforcing bars (steel) decreased by 7.2% in the 12 months leading to February 2026. (source: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/building-materials-and-components-statistics-march-2026/construction-building-materials-commentary-march-2026)\n- [HIGH] The overall construction material price index for 'All work' increased by 2.1% in February 2026 compared with February 2025. (source: https://hamiltonsteelbuildings.com/construction-material-price-rises-in-2026/)\n- [MEDIUM] The UK steel market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.09% from 2026 to 2034. (source: https://www.imarcgroup.com/uk-steel-market)\n- [MEDIUM] The UK steel market is subject to price volatility due to global cycles, currency movements, and import competition. (source: https://finance.yahoo.com/sectors/energy/articles/united-kingdom-steel-industry-report-090900606.html)\n- [HIGH] The material price index for 'Other new work' (which includes infrastructure and commercial projects using steel) increased by 1.1% year-on-year in February 2026. (source: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/building-materials-and-components-statistics-march-2026/construction-building-materials-commentary-march-2026)"
}