The preliminary value for the CE Plant Cost Index (CEPCI) for April 2026 (most recent available) rose compared to the previous month’s value, although the final value for March 2026 was downwardly revised. The uptick in April 2026 CEPCI continued the trend of monthly increases observed since September 2025. Since January 2025, the CEPCI has registered monthly increases in all but two months. All four of the CEPCI subindices (Equipment, Construction Labor, Buildings and Engineering & Supervision) rose in April 2026. The current CEPCI value now sits at 7.7% higher than the corresponding value from April of last year. Meanwhile, Current Business Indicators (middle) show small decreases for the CPI Output Index and Operating Rate for May.
2026 CEPCI updates: April (prelim.) and March (final)
| By Scott Jenkins