The preliminary value for the CE Plant Cost Index (CEPCI) for May 2026 (most recent available) is higher than the previous month, continuing a string of monthly increases since last autumn, while also reaching an all-time high for the CEPCI. The May increase was driven by gains in the Equipment, Buildings and Construction Labor subindices. The Engineering & Supervision subindex decreased by a small margin. The current CEPCI value now sits at 7.0% higher than the corresponding value from May 2025. Meanwhile, the Current Business Indicators showed no change in the CPI output index and a small decrease for the CPI operating rate (both for June 2026), and an increase in the CPI value of output for May 2026.
2026 CEPCI updates: May (prelim.) and April (final)
| By Scott Jenkins