Building input cost inflation moderate to annual decrease of -2,3% in September 2009

There were no major surprises in the September 2009 price indices, released by Stats SA. Input cost inflation, a measurement of  material and labour costs in the building industry, moderated to an annual decrease of -2,3% in September. Since last year, price pressures have subsided significantly, averaging 1,3% and 0,2% for housing and commercial buildings respectively, during the first 9 months.(Stats SA, PPI September 2009).  This follow aggressive price inflation during 2007 and 2008 when input costs increased by double digit rates.