Construction shortages in appliances, lumber and other materials in U.S. 2017-2022

Shortages of building materials and appliances in the United States were slightly lower in October 2022 than in the previous year, according to home builders. For example, at least 76 percent of builders who are responsible for buying the product in question in 2022 reported a "serious" or "some" form of shortage for either appliances, HVAC equipment, or windows and doors. Especially for lumber this is a major difference when compared to 2018 - a year when U.S. tax rates on wood were increased and, consequently, more home builders reported a shortage. The situation in 2018 and 2021 is reflected in the monthly price development of softwood veneer and plywood, which reveals that the price hikes in 2021 far outweigh those in 2018.