Building Materials & Technologies

Imports of steel, machinery, and finishing materials... What do international trade data reveal about construction activity?

Reading time: 3 MinutesInternational trade data does not provide a direct indication of the state of the construction sector, but it does offer the market important signals that can be interpreted in conjunction with indicators such as building permits, projects, and construction costs. ... Read more

Although total imports declined in May 2026, the data reveal continued demand for machinery, metals, and inputs related to construction and manufacturing.

28/07/2026

Saudi Arabia's Steel Sector

Rebar prices fell during September, while electrical cables and timber prices rose.

Saudi statistics data showed a monthly decline in the prices of some sizes of iron, compared to increases in electrical cables and wood.

Construction tender prices in Saudi Arabia (5%) are expected to rise.

Construction sector expected to grow despite rising tender prices

The JLL report highlights pressures on materials, supplies, and competition, with tenders continuing to balloon and development being supported through land reforms and partnerships.

Building materials in Saudi Arabia: Concrete prices decrease while cement prices fluctuate during September

Concrete prices in Saudi Arabia declined during September 2026, with black cement prices decreasing, while white cement and red sand prices increased, according to data from the General Authority for Statistics.

Saudi Contractors Authority Contractors Authority

Launch of the National Talent Development Program in the Contracting Sector... Learn more about it

Registration has begun for the sixth edition of the "Be a Contractor" national talent development program in the contracting sector in Riyadh.

Construction tender prices in Saudi Arabia (5%) are expected to rise.

Construction leads the flow of foreign investment to Saudi Arabia with 34.5 billion riyals

According to the General Statistics Authority data, the manufacturing industry came in second, and it also topped the list of foreign outflows from the Kingdom at the end of 2025.

Infographic | Guidelines on Construction Worker Safety to Protect Them from Hazards and Injuries

The Saudi Contractors Authority emphasizes the use of protective equipment, the regulation of work in the sun, and ensuring medical treatment and compensation for work-related injuries.

Light-Gauge Steel Construction... Is It Spelling the End of the Era of Cement Blocks and Concrete?

Light-gauge steel framing technology relies on the use of cold-formed steel sections, which are assembled to form a cohesive and sturdy structure as an alternative to concrete structures.

Cement Sales Last Month... What Happened to Production and Export Figures?

Digital twins: A technology that reduces rework in construction projects

The site is linked to a live digital version that detects deviations early, reducing demolition and delays and improving the quality of implementation.

More than 200,000 meters of rainwater drainage networks were completed during the first half of 2026

As part of the municipal infrastructure projects, the works included main and branch networks, culverts, canals and retaining walls to enhance the cities’ readiness for rain and floods.

Saudi Arabia's Steel Sector

Iron and electrical cables led the surge in building material prices last month.

Data from August 2026 shows an annual jump in cables and reinforcing steel in Saudi Arabia, compared to a decline in concrete and blocks.

Construction costs in Saudi Arabia rose by 2.31 TP3T during August.

Driven by rising energy, equipment and labor costs, with a greater increase in the non-residential sector compared to the residential sector.

Construction tender prices in Saudi Arabia (5%) are expected to rise.

Construction activities increased by 9.52 billion riyals by the end of the second quarter of 2026

The growth in real estate and construction raised their combined value to 171.7 billion riyals, despite their contribution to the GDP declining to 13.59%.

Concrete prices declined during August, while cement prices varied.

Concrete prices in Saudi Arabia decreased during August, while prices for cement, sand, gypsum and blocks varied, according to statistics data.

Report reveals: 20% rise in building material costs disrupts housing supply plans

A Knight Frank report warns that soaring construction costs could delay unit deliveries and put pressure on the viability of housing projects.

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