Better prospects for the construction industry are expected to further push up the Construction Materials Price Index (CMI) in the second quarter, following its rise the first three months this year, driven by higher steel prices.
The index, which indicates price changes in 134 construction materials in 12 provinces, increased by 5.4% year-on-year to 110.2 points in March, said Trade Policy and Strategy Office chief Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit.
In the first quarter, CMI rose by 4.4% year-on-year as prices of steel and its products increased by 21.2 % from the same quarter last year.
Mr Phusit said global steel prices continued to increase due mainly to China’s policy to restrict steel exports and reduce steel production under…
