noun
cost of materials; material costs
Refers to the expense for raw materials or components in manufacturing, construction, cooking, etc.
この製品の材料費は全体のコストの半分を占めている。
The material costs for this product account for half of the total cost.
材料費が高騰したため、販売価格を上げざるを
Because material costs soared, we had no choice but to raise the selling price.
経費 is a broader term for business expenses, including labor, utilities, etc., not limited to materials.
Compound of 材料 (material) and 費 (cost, expense).