The cost of building materials in Fiji saw a modest rise of 0.9 percent in the June quarter of 2025, as reported by the Fiji Bureau of Statistics. The All Items Building Material Price Index (BMPI) reached 141.0 during this period, reflecting a consistent increase compared to the March quarter.
Among the materials, wood and related items experienced the largest price spike, climbing by 3.1 percent, largely due to the increased costs of treated pine boards essential for framing and lining. Additionally, paint and glass prices rose by 0.7 percent, with higher costs seen in metal primers and various finishing products. Cement and related materials also noted a 0.6 percent increase, attributed mainly to higher prices for sand and concrete blocks.
Furthermore, smaller price increases were recorded in door and window frames (0.3 percent) and plumbing materials (0.2 percent). Contrasting these increases, prices for electrical products fell by 0.5 percent, driven by lower costs for items such as switches and power points. Iron and steel products saw a more significant decrease of 0.9 percent, influenced by reduced prices for roofing materials and aluminum products, while floor and wall tiles remained stable, with prices balancing out during the quarter.
This increase in building material costs may pose challenges for construction and development projects in Fiji, particularly in an environment where investment in non-residential buildings is on the rise. As highlighted in a recent report, building approvals in Fiji saw significant growth amid ongoing policy and legislative stability. Analysts remain optimistic that these developments could continue to drive economic growth as more projects enter the pipeline.
The construction sector’s resilience amid rising material costs reflects both the challenges and opportunities within Fiji’s economic landscape. Continued attention to labor supply and cost management in construction could foster a stronger market environment in the near future.
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