AGC Releases Recent Construction Employment Data February 2015, 2016

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Forty-three states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs between February 2015 and February 2016 while construction employment increased in 27 states between January and February, according to analysis of Labor Department data recently released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the pullback in energy prices and farm income appeared to be dampening demand for construction in some states while firms in other states continue to expand. “In most of the country, construction continues to outpace other industries in adding jobs,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist for the association. “Contractors remain upbeat about demand for … Read more

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Construction Employment Rises in 44 States, D.C. Over 12 Months

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Forty-four states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs between January 2015 and January 2016 while construction employment increased in 30 states and D.C. between December and January, according to analysis of Labor Department data recently released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the new employment figures show strong demand for construction except in a number of energy producing states. “Construction remains vibrant in nearly every state and is adding workers at a faster clip than other industries in much of the country,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist for the association. “Contractors report they are … Read more

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Modest Expansion for Architecture Billings Index

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Architecture Billings Index saw a dip into negative terrain for the first time in five months in January, but inched back up in February with a small increase in demand for design services. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate 9-12-month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects reported the February ABI score was 50.3, up slightly from the mark of 49.6 in the previous month. This score reflects a minor increase in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). … Read more

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U.S. Construction Equipment Exports Close Out 2015 Down 19 Percent

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MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Exports of U.S.-made construction equipment ended 2015 with a 19 percent decline compared to the previous year for a total $13.9 billion shipped worldwide. All world regions experienced declines, led by Africa and South America, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, citing U.S. Department of Commerce data it uses in global market reports for members. AEM is the North American-based international business group representing the off-road equipment manufacturing industry. Year-end 2015 U.S. construction equipment exports by major world regions compared to year-end 2014: Canada dropped 18 percent, for a total $5.5 billion Asia decreased 10 percent, … Read more

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Construction Firms Add 19,000 Workers, Unemployed Workers Hits Low

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Construction firms added 19,000 workers in February, as the number of unemployed construction workers was at the lowest February total since the series started in 2000, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said, however, that sluggish gains in nonresidential construction employment may reflect the fact contractors are having difficulty finding workers to keep up with growing demand. “The overall picture for construction employment is very positive with robust job growth and very little unemployment,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Yet it appears that many nonresidential construction firms … Read more

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