Construction recorded strong growth of 6.3% in May

The level of activity in construction recorded a strong growth in May 2026, according to the data released by INDEC, which shows an increase both in monthly and year-on-year terms.

The Synthetic Indicator of Construction Activity (ISAC) showed a 4.1% increase compared to the same month in 2025, while in the seasonally adjusted measurement, a 6.3% growth was verified compared to April.

Meanwhile, the trend-cycle index recorded a 0.6% monthly increase, consolidating a series of positive variations. In the accumulated figures for the first five months of the year, activity shows a 2.5% increase compared to the same period last year, reflecting a sustained growth dynamic within the sector.

Construction inputs

The data also shows a rebound in the consumption of construction inputs. In May, the largest year-on-year increases were recorded in construction paints (23.6%), followed by other inputs, including faucets, seamless steel pipes, and glass, with an 18.3% increase.

Increases were also observed in granite and limestone tiles (11.1%), ready-mix concrete (10.1%), and rebar and construction steels (9.6%).

When analyzing the accumulated performance between January and May, the variations are also positive in most categories. Other inputs lead with a 22.6% increase, followed by paints (15.0%), ceramic sanitary ware (6.2%), iron and steel (6.2%), ready-mix concrete (5.1%), and gypsum boards (0.7%).

In parallel, other indicators related to the sector support this trend. Registered employment in private construction reached a total of 379,459 jobs in April, representing a 1.2% increase compared to the same month in 2025.

Furthermore, the area authorized for new works, measured through building permits in 246 municipalities, recorded a year-on-year increase of 16.6% in April, totaling 1,451,267 square meters, the highest record for that month since 2022.