Construction Materials in Electrical and Plumbing Sectors Rise 2.3% Tracking Global Copper Raw Material Prices

Nantapong Chiralertphong, Director of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office, revealed that the construction material price index for January 2026 was 105.4, a slight 0.1% increase compared to the same period last year. This reflects the slowing construction sector demand due to high excess property sector supply. Key highlights include: - Cement category rose 6.0%, with increases in Portland cement, mixed cement, and ready-to-use plaster - Steel and steel products decreased 2.5% due to global steel oversupply - Electrical and plumbing equipment increased 2.3%, driven by rising copper and aluminum raw material prices and increased government infrastructure project demands Nantapong noted that February 2026's construction material price index is likely to remain stable, with pressure from private sector investment slowdowns and cautious financial institution lending policies.