Construction Employment Trails Pre-Pandemic Level in 39 States, Reports AGC

Construction employment in June remained below the levels reached before the pre-pandemic peak in February 2020 in 39 states, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government employment data. Association officials noted that many construction firms are struggling to cope with supply chain challenges and rising materials prices, which is undermining demand for new projects and impacting firms’ ability to hire new workers. “The construction industry is a long way from full recovery in most states, in spite of a hot homebuilding market in many areas,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Soaring materials … Read more

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Nonresidential Construction Spending Continues Decline Amid Supply Chain, Labor Challenges

Overall construction spending declined in May compared to the prior month, driven by continued drops in nonresidential construction activity as firms struggle with supply chain disruptions, rising materials prices and labor shortages, according to an analysis of new federal construction spending data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Officials with the association called on the Biden administration to remove tariffs on key construction materials, allow unemployment supplements that are keeping people out of the workforce to expire and take steps to address supply chain backups.   “Many construction firms would likely be even busier if only they could find … Read more

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AGC Reports Construction Employment Declines in 203 Metro Areas March 2020-March 2021 Despite Homebuilding Boom, Improving Economy

Construction employment decreased from March 2020 to March 2021 in 203, or 57%, of the nation’s metro areas, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government employment data recently released. Association officials said the industry’s broader recovery in many parts of the country is being hampered by rising materials prices, supply chain disruptions and project cancellations.   “Nearly twice as many metros have lost construction jobs as gained them in the past 12 months, even though homebuilding has recovered strongly and the overall economy is in much better shape than it was a year ago,” … Read more

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Construction Employment in March Remains Below March 2020 Levels, Says AGC

Construction employment in March remained below March 2020 levels in 35 states despite a sizzling homebuilding market and a strong recovery from severe winter weather, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government employment data. Association officials cautioned, however, that a host of challenges, including continued project cancellations, rising materials prices and supply chain uncertainties are making business conditions for contractors difficult.   “Nonresidential contractors are coping with a depleted list of projects, extreme cost increases and unprecedented supply-chain problems,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “These headwinds are likely to keep industry employment … Read more

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

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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