According to the 3rd quarter Producer Confidence Index, conducted by NRMCA over the last two weeks of September, confidence in current and future economic conditions of ready mixed concrete producers slipped almost 3 points to 68.3. Second quarter findings (see graph below) set a confidence level of 71.2. While producers continue to have modest confidence in current and future economic conditions, expectations seem to be tempered with more pessimism in the 3rd quarter as producers face regional cement allocations, an uncertain regulatory outlook and the coming winter months. Despite these issues, producers remain optimistic about future economic conditions, reporting a future confidence level of 71.3.


The survey uses 2006, the best year for ready mixed concrete production and financial performance on record, as a baseline to assume a 100 point positive PCI. The 3rd quarter PCI included 84 member companies, or 14% of NRMCA ready mixed concrete producer members.