OREANDA-NEWS. As noted in Fitch Ratings' new report , 'US. Building Materials Volume and Pricing Trends: Second-Quarter 2015', construction activity was strong during second-quarter 2015 (2Q15), advancing 11.6% despite significant rainfall in certain parts of the U.S. Overall U.S. construction spending increased 9.3% to \\$583.2 billion during the first seven months of 2015, driven by solid growth in private construction spending and improving activity from public construction.

Shipments from aggregates producers and cement manufacturers were impacted negatively by significant rainfall during the quarter. Nevertheless, underlying demand for these products remained solid and higher pricing was realized during the quarter.

Industry wallboard and architectural coatings shipments increased moderately during the quarter. Roofing industry shipments bounced back significantly during 2Q15 after a large drop during the first-quarter.