Economic analysis - Articles - Page 3

Labor Survey

Labor Shortages Mount Under Tariffs, Immigration Crackdown

AGC/NCCER report cites labor shortages, delays, and rising costs, urging more training funds and lawful immigration pathways

Tanja Kern

August 30, 2025

One Comment

A new industry survey finds 92 percent of construction firms face hiring challenges, leading to delays, higher costs, and renewed calls for workforce and immigration reforms.

U.S. nonfarm payrolls rose by just 73,000 in July and the unemployment rate held at 4.2%.

Economics

Labor Market Loses Momentum: July Adds 73K, Prior Months Slashed by 258K

Unemployment steady at 4.2 percent; construction employment sputters as nonresidential spending contracts

Bryan Gottlieb

August 2, 2025

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July’s payrolls grew by a meager 73,000, falling short of expectations; May and June numbers were each revised downward, while earnings remained flat.

Industry Voices

How Contractors Can Navigate Growth Amid Tariffs and Economic Uncertainty

As inflation, interest rates and global tariffs squeeze the construction industry, contractors must focus on strategic sourcing, cautious expansion, and operational efficiency to remain competitive.

Ben Johnston

July 11, 2025

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As inflation, interest rates and global tariffs squeeze the construction industry, contractors must focus on strategic sourcing, cautious expansion, and operational efficiency to remain competitive.

MCA Releases 2025 Market Study

The association's market study shows growth for the metal construction industry.

July 9, 2025

One Comment

The association's market study shows growth for the metal construction industry.

Return on Investment

Underwriting Prefabrication: Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?

As contractors anticipate a surge in prefabrication over the next five years, this article breaks down how to evaluate its financial viability, balance risks, and build a compelling case for investment.

Tyler Paré

July 8, 2025

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As contractors anticipate a surge in prefabrication over the next five years, this article breaks down how to evaluate its financial viability, balance risks, and build a compelling case for investment.

ABC: Construction Hiring Remains Sluggish in May

The group reports that the month of May had slower job starts.

July 1, 2025

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The group reports that the month of May had slower job starts.

Publisher's Post

Embracing the Winds of Change

In a world of economic shifts, industry evolution and rising challenges, bold leadership and a problem-solving mindset are key to thriving in turbulent times.

Jill Bloom

June 25, 2025

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In a world of economic shifts, industry evolution and rising challenges, bold leadership and a problem-solving mindset are key to thriving in turbulent times.

Up Front

Tariffs and U.S. Construction

How tariffs impact trade with Canada, labor shortages, and the bigger economic picture.

Mark Fowler

June 23, 2025

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Tariffs are not new to the U.S. construction industry, but recent increases could create ripple effects across the economy. Here's how tariffs impact trade with Canada, labor shortages, and the bigger economic picture.

Construction Backlog Indicator and Construction Confidence Index

ABC: Tariffed Construction Materials Prices Rise in May

Overall construction input prices are 1.3% higher than a year ago, while nonresidential construction input prices are 1.6% higher

June 12, 2025

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Construction input prices increased 0.2% in May compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data.