The prices of a multitude of building materials, which had risen considerably during the pandemic due to high demand, in particular, have started to fall.
The prices of lumber, plywood and gypsum have fallen by an average of 21%, according to figures collected by the Quebec Association of Hardware and Building Materials (AQMAT) from data from renovation centers in five different banners.
Insulation saw its price rise slightly by 10%, from $51.92 in May to $56.87 in September.
AQMAT
Thus the many Quebecers who had put their renovation project on hold because of high prices might perhaps choose to go ahead.
“Demand and supply are readjusting. If demand decreases, in home renovation, we actually expect slightly more reasonable prices, and price reductions in building materials,” explains Jean-Philippe Cliche, senior economist at the Association de la construction of Quebec.
The production of building materials is going quite well in Quebec, however, internationally, the situation is more difficult due to problems in the supply chain, in terms of transportation, and due to the shortage of labor. ‘work.
“We should have no problem filling the shelves with our products, which are made in Quebec, in the surrounding provinces and in the American Northeast,” explains Richard Darveau of the Quebec Association of Hardware and Building Materials. .
“Overseas, we still have this limitation on the number of containers on the Pacific. It continues to be difficult,” he added.
In addition, CN and CP, rail carriers in Canada, have to deal with transit problems.
“Their wagon yards are full. There is merchandise expected by our merchants that does not arrive because the last segment is done by land transport by truck,” explains Mr. Darveau.
