Construction Employment Rebounds in March, Rising Costs + More Threaten Outlook Says AGC

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Construction employment climbed by 110,000 in March as the industry recovered from severe winter weather that pushed employment down by 56,000 in February, according to a recent analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data. Association officials said they were encouraged by the recent job gains and the potential for new infrastructure investments. But they cautioned that rising prices and erratic delivery schedules for key construction materials — as documented in their recent Construction Inflation Alert – and continued project cancellations could undermine the sector’s recovery. “The rebound in March is certainly good news, but contractors face … Read more

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AGC Reports Soaring Materials Costs, Supply-Chain Problems + Project Cancelations Continue to Impact Construction Industry

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One year after the pandemic struck, construction firms are experiencing soaring materials costs, widespread supply-chain problems and continuing project deferrals and cancellations, according to a new survey that the Associated General Contractors of America has released. Association officials urged Congress and the Biden administration to take steps to eliminate tariffs on key materials, address shipping backups and boost funding for new infrastructure to help the industry recovery.   “The survey results make it clear that the construction industry faces a variety of challenges that threaten to leave many firms and workers behind, even as some parts of the economy are … Read more

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Construction Employment Stalls, New Measures Threaten to Undermine Recovery of Sector

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Construction employment stagnated in January, ending eight months of recovery from the pandemic-related losses of early 2020, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data. Association officials added that new measures being considered in Congress, including the PRO Act and the National Apprenticeship Act, threaten to undermine the sector’s recovery by disrupting ongoing projects and hampering employers’ ability to train workers.   “The stagnation in construction employment in January may foreshadow further deterioration in the industry as projects that had started before the pandemic finish up and owners hold off on awarding new work,” … Read more

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Association Officials Call for Tariff Removal on Key Materials to Provide Immediate Relief for Hard-Hit Contractors

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Price increases—some to record-setting levels—and long delivery delays are causing hardships for construction firms that are also experiencing challenges in completing projects with crews limited by illness or new work site procedures resulting from the pandemic, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data. Association officials urged the Biden administration to review and rescind a range of trade tariffs in place, including for Canadian lumber, that are contributing to the price increases.   “The extreme price increases, as reflected in today’s producer price index report and other sources, are harming contractors on existing projects … Read more

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Construction Employment in December Trails Pre-Pandemic Levels in 34 States

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Construction employment in December remained below pre-pandemic levels in two-thirds of the states even though 37 states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs from November to December, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government employment data. Association officials said the new data highlights how broadly the industry has been impacted by the pandemic and underscores the need for additional coronavirus recovery measures.   “While most states recorded construction employment gains in December, the pickup is likely to be temporary for many,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Participants in our association’s … Read more

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