| 1 | Production rose steadily. | |
| 2 | The nations that resist that alliance are in retreat. | |
| 3 | Land, water, energy and shipping costs are on the rise. | |
| 4 | In recent years, the booming real estate market has led to a steady increase in housing prices. | |
| 5 | But billable hours explain only part of the run-up in costs. |