The Memphis Business Journal reports that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ November producer price index shows a rise in construction material costs, which could mean a continued uptick in prices heading into 2010.

The low cost of materials had been one positive during the slowdown that the commercial construction industry has been experiencing the past year.

But Inputs to construction industries, a weighted average of all materials used by contractors, rose 0.6% from October to November, according to Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America. They had fallen 2.3% in the past 12 months, and were flat over the past three months.

“Public agencies and private owners contemplating construction projects should treat today’s figures as a warning shot,” he says. “Prices for many materials have stopped falling and are poised for increases.”

Go to the Memphis Business Journal to see the entire article.