Author: agcnews
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The producer price index for materials and services used in nonresidential construction rose 3.3 percent from December 2024 to December 2025, propelled by double-digit increases in aluminum, steel and copper prices, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released today. Association officials noted that it appears that new tariffs are enabling domestic producers of key construction materials to raise prices. “Even though these indexes are based on selling prices of domestic producers, it is clear that the steep tariffs on imported metals and products are enabling U.S. sellers to push up costs for…
Construction employment rose in 34 states and the District of Columbia over the past year, while 20 states and D.C. added jobs between November and December, according to an analysis of new federal data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials called on policy makers in Washington to work promptly on enacting the next transportation legislation to enable contractors to avoid having to lay off workers. “Although a majority of states added construction employees over the year, employment has stalled in the latest month,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Too many projects have been…
Spending on projects underway in October climbed by 0.5 percent from September, led by a huge increase in residential improvements and a small pickup in public works, according to an analysis of new government data that the Associated General Contractors of America released today. Association officials noted the results are consistent with their recent survey that found contractors much less optimistic about growth prospects than a year ago. “Our survey of contractors found widespread expectations of growing demand for data centers and power projects, but expectations are subdued for all other types of projects compared to the 2025 Outlook Survey,”…
Just over half of metro areas added construction jobs between November 2024 and November 2025, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials noted that the employment data is consistent with the results of a survey they released last week that found contractors less optimistic than a year ago about growth prospects for most project types. “Construction hiring has slowed in many parts of the country as owners have put projects on hold,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “While a majority of contractors expect to add workers in…
The producer price index for materials and services used in nonresidential construction rose 0.4 percent in November and 3.6 percent over 12 months—the largest year-over-year increase since January 2023, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released today. Association officials said their latest survey found rising materials costs are a top concern of contractors for 2026 as firms grapple with a host of tariffs on construction materials. “Input costs for construction are rising faster than for producers or consumers in general, partly because the industry is faced with steep tariffs on many materials,”…
Construction employment declined by 11,000 positions in December, with modest decreases in both residential and nonresidential sectors, according to an analysis of new government data the Associated General Contractors of America released today. Association officials noted that the new employment figures reflect the same contractor concerns identified in the group’s newly-released 2026 Construction Hiring & Business Outlook. “Nonresidential construction employment expanded modestly in 2025 but was held back by unwillingness of many owners to commit to projects in the light of ongoing policy turmoil,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Based on our recent survey, it appears 2026 will…
Construction employment rose in 32 states and the District of Columbia over the past year, while 26 states and D.C. added jobs between October and November, according to an analysis of new federal data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that the mixed pattern of gains and losses is consistent with the results of their 2026 Construction Hiring and Business Outlook, which they will release on Thursday. “Soaring demand for data centers, power, and selected other segments is adding to construction employment in some states,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “But uncertainty…
Construction employment trends were evenly split between metro areas that added jobs between September 2024 and September 2025 and metros with flat or falling headcounts, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials noted that demand for industrial and data center construction remains robust, but demand in other sectors flags. “The latest data on employment by metro area shows how spotty construction activity has become,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Although a few project types, such as data centers, power, and certain infrastructure and manufacturing plants, are booming,…
Construction employment increased by 28,000 positions in November, outpacing the rate of overall nonfarm payroll growth, according to an analysis of new government data the Associated General Contractors of America released today. Association officials noted that the construction sector continues to experience acute labor shortages as the pool of lawfully authorized workers continues to shrink. “Construction employment rebounded in November and continued to grow faster than overall nonfarm payrolls,” said Macrina Wilkins, the association’s senior research analyst. “The underlying trends still point to steady demand for nonresidential construction, even as parts of the residential market remain soft.” Read more.