Q1 2026 Cost Index Report

07 May 2026
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The MEP Cost Index is holding at 302 for the current quarter.

The MEP Cost Index increased to 302 in Q1 2026, reflecting a modest rise from Q4 2025 and continued stabilization across the broader market. Upward pressure remains concentrated in electrical equipment, driven by sustained demand across data centers, grid infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing. Mechanical systems continue to show more moderate pricing movement, with most categories stabilizing following prior periods of escalation.

Estimated Equipment Lead Times

Varies Due to Equipment Sizing

Previous7 - 18 weeks
Current6 - 19 weeks
Previous8 - 40 weeks
Current7 - 52 weeks
Previous10 - 47 weeks
Current12 - 60 weeks
Previous8 - 44 weeks
Current7 - 78 weeks
Previous40 - 84 weeks
Current40 - 66 weeks
Previous40 - 42 weeks
Current26 - 58 weeks
Previous46 - 58 weeks
Current30 - 44 weeks
Previous16 - 42 weeks
Current16 - 42 weeks
Previous8 - 16 weeks
Current8 - 16 weeks
Previous12 - 26 weeks
Current12 - 26 weeks
KEY UPDATES

EQUIPMENT LEAD TIMES HAVE STABILIZED

Lead times across most equipment categories have stabilized and are generally tracking within predictable ranges. The majority of materials are being delivered as scheduled, with delays remaining infrequent, short in duration, and limited to specific equipment types rather than widespread issues.

While overall conditions reflect improved supply chain performance, lead times have not uniformly improved across all categories. Several equipment types continue to show extended upper ranges, indicating ongoing variability in worst-case delivery scenarios.

TARIFFS & SUPPLY CHAIN IMPACTS

Supply chain conditions remain stable, with most equipment and materials delivering within expected timeframes.

Tariffs continue to influence pricing, particularly for equipment with exposure to steel, aluminum, copper, and imported electrical components. Recent U.S. trade policy updates in April 2026 reinforced tariffs on these key materials, sustaining cost pressure across both electrical and mechanical equipment.

While these impacts are largely embedded in current pricing, they continue to drive cost variability, shorten bid validity periods, and reduce overall pricing certainty.

GEOPOLITICAL CONFLICT

Emerging geopolitical risks are introducing new uncertainty into global logistics and material flows.

While widespread shortages have not materialized, risk is increasing for equipment with high exposure to global freight, petroleum-based inputs, and international supply chains. Manufacturers are adjusting sourcing and production strategies, but these changes have not yet led to broad supply disruption.

YEARAVG. INDEXPERCENT%
20041000
2010114-4.5%
20111172.5%
20121213.5%
20131242.5%
20141262.0%
20151271.0%
20161291.5%
20171333.0%
20181383.8%
20191423.0%
20201452.8%
202116110.3%
202218515.1%
202320410.4%
20242092.4%
202528914.4%
20263024.5%

Cost Index

2004 – 2012
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