{
  "query": "current UK construction cost inflation trends 2026 steel infrastructure projects",
  "claims": [
    {
      "claim": "UK construction material price inflation for 'Other new work' (which includes infrastructure) is reported at 1.1% for the 12 months leading to February 2026.",
      "verbatim_quote": "| Other new work | 1.1 | 0.6 |",
      "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 price of concrete reinforcing bars (steel) in the UK decreased by 7.2% in the 12 months 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": "Global construction cost inflation is projected to rise marginally to 4 percent in 2026.",
      "verbatim_quote": "On average, construction cost inflation is projected to settle at 3.9 percent globally in 2025, before rising marginally to 4 percent in 2026, though regional disparities persist.",
      "source_url": "https://publications.turnerandtownsend.com/global-construction-market-intelligence-2025/global-construction-cost-trends",
      "relevance": "medium"
    },
    {
      "claim": "Material costs for steel are projected to continue rising through to 2030.",
      "verbatim_quote": "Material costs, particularly for insulation, timber, and steel, are projected to rise further through to 2030, prompting firms to rethink procurement strategies and build greater resilience into project budgets.",
      "source_url": "https://asd.ltd/construction-trends-2026",
      "relevance": "high"
    },
    {
      "claim": "UK steel tariffs remain at 25% as of mid-2025, while U.S. tariffs increased to 50%.",
      "verbatim_quote": "On June 4, 2025, Section 232 steel tariffs increased from 25% to 50% effective June 4, 2025 (UK remains at 25%).",
      "source_url": "https://gensteel.com/building-faqs/steel-building-prices/forecast",
      "relevance": "medium"
    },
    {
      "claim": "Rising employment costs from the UK Autumn Budget, including higher minimum wage and National Insurance, are expected to pressure construction margins in 2026.",
      "verbatim_quote": "That said, rising employment costs from the Autumn Budget – higher minimum wage and National Insurance contributions, will undoubtedly add pressure to already tight margins.",
      "source_url": "https://asd.ltd/construction-trends-2026",
      "relevance": "medium"
    }
  ],
  "market_context": "- [HIGH] UK construction material price inflation for 'Other new work' (which includes infrastructure) is reported at 1.1% for 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 price of concrete reinforcing bars (steel) in the UK decreased by 7.2% in the 12 months to February 2026. (source: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/building-materials-and-components-statistics-march-2026/construction-building-materials-commentary-march-2026)\n- [MEDIUM] Global construction cost inflation is projected to rise marginally to 4 percent in 2026. (source: https://publications.turnerandtownsend.com/global-construction-market-intelligence-2025/global-construction-cost-trends)\n- [HIGH] Material costs for steel are projected to continue rising through to 2030. (source: https://asd.ltd/construction-trends-2026)\n- [MEDIUM] UK steel tariffs remain at 25% as of mid-2025, while U.S. tariffs increased to 50%. (source: https://gensteel.com/building-faqs/steel-building-prices/forecast)\n- [MEDIUM] Rising employment costs from the UK Autumn Budget, including higher minimum wage and National Insurance, are expected to pressure construction margins in 2026. (source: https://asd.ltd/construction-trends-2026)"
}