Economy
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Trump’s tariffs: Tracking the status of international trade actions
The U.S. has rolled out a deluge of tariffs, sparking responses from trading partners. Here’s where each tariff – threatened or realized – currently stands.
By Philip Neuffer , Edwin Lopez • March 31, 2025 -
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Sponsored by RSM US LLPConstruction and real estate companies can prepare for tax changes under Trump
How construction and real estate firms can prepare for tax changes under a Trump-led government in 2025.
By Marlon Fortineaux, Real Estate Tax Leader; Gene Garcia, Senior Analyst; Mac Carroll, Senior Analyst • March 31, 2025 -
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Economic ReportsThe 9 largest commercial construction starts of February 2025
Groundbreakings held steady following a slow start to the year, with commercial activity offsetting slowdowns in multifamily and manufacturing, according to Dodge Construction Network.
By Sebastian Obando • March 27, 2025 -
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Q&AThe construction materials most at risk for tariffs
Rebar, structural steel, piping and ductwork are all facing price volatility, according to Skanska USA Building executive Steve Stouthamer.
By Sebastian Obando • March 25, 2025 -
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Fed holds main rate steady, forecasts higher inflation, slower growth
“Growth looks like it’s maybe moderating a bit, consumer spending moderating a bit, but still at a solid pace,” Fed Chair Jerome Powell said during a press conference.
By Jim Tyson • March 20, 2025 -
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Economic ReportsConstruction planning posts smaller gains
Data centers kept momentum afloat in February, while institutional sectors lost steam, according to Dodge Construction Network.
By Sebastian Obando • March 17, 2025 -
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Construction job openings drop 42% YOY as labor churn accelerates
Demand for construction workers has softened in recent months amid uncertainty stemming from President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
By Zachary Phillips • March 17, 2025 -
Courtesy of HS2
Balfour Beatty wary of tariffs amid profit dip
The London-based builder reported a jump in U.S. backlog and continues to see value in infrastructure work, but increased material prices could cause more pain.
By Matthew Thibault • March 14, 2025 -
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IRA credits, energy demand continue to drive renewables investments
Despite the Trump administration’s focus on fossil fuels and opposition to the IRA, analysts anticipate the renewables market will continue benefiting from high energy demand.
By Diana DiGangi • March 14, 2025 -
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Economic ReportsNonresidential construction prices notch ‘far-too-hot’ 9% annualized gain
Goosed by trade fears and rising iron, steel and lumber costs, inputs are likely to post year-over-year jumps for 2025, according to Associated Builders and Contractors.
By Joe Bousquin • March 13, 2025 -
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Deep DiveHow DOGE will impact Washington, DC-area apartment owners
Cuts to the federal workforce have multifamily pros wondering about potential effects on one of the country’s hottest markets.
By Leslie Shaver • March 13, 2025 -
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Economic ReportsLarge construction firms expand backlogs as smaller firms struggle
The amount of work on builders’ books highlights a growing divide between contractors based on size, according to Associated Builders and Contractors.
By Sebastian Obando • March 12, 2025 -
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Deep Dive5 years after COVID hit, contractors still wait for prices to come down
Although supply chains have rebounded, material costs are 40% higher than before the global pandemic started, and new tariffs could bring more hikes.
By Sebastian Obando • March 11, 2025 -
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Top construction-related podcasts
The AEC industry boasts a vast offering of informative, on-demand programs. Here are some to add to your playlist.
By Matthew Thibault • Updated March 27, 2025 -
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Economic ReportsFebruary 2025 economic roundup
Indicators still point to overall strength in construction, but short-term headwinds could derail that positivity.
By Sebastian Obando • March 11, 2025 -
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Public builders bullish on infrastructure, data centers, energy
Executives largely brushed off tariff and policy concerns on their latest round of earnings calls.
By Construction Dive Staff • March 10, 2025 -
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Economic ReportsMore private construction projects face delays
Non-public work posted a 36.7% jump year over year in on-hold activity, according to the latest Project Stress data from ConstructConnect.
By Sebastian Obando • March 6, 2025 -
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Tutor Perini unfazed by Trump’s tariff, funding actions
New CEO Gary Smalley said on a recent earnings call that he will focus on returning to profitability and that he doesn’t think the firm’s projects will be defunded.
By Julie Strupp • March 4, 2025 -
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Economic ReportsConstruction spending stalls despite data center boom
A slight uptick in January was “far from encouraging,” according to ABC’s chief economist.
By Sebastian Obando • March 4, 2025 -
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Trump’s new tariffs add pressure to construction pipeline
Higher fees on materials from Canada, Mexico and China will further squeeze project budgets and likely lead to delays and cancellations.
By Sebastian Obando • March 4, 2025 -
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MasTec positions itself for oil and gas ‘renaissance’
The Coral Gables, Florida-based specialty contractor’s CEO said the company is positioned to capitalize on demand for energy and telecommunications infrastructure work.
By Matthew Thibault • March 3, 2025 -
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Trump orders review of wood supply chain
Over the next year, various U.S. departments will assess whether tariffs, quotas or updated permitting processes could help limit the country’s reliance on foreign timber and lumber.
By Edwin Lopez • March 3, 2025 -
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WSP ‘feeling extremely good’ even amid instability from Trump’s moves
The firm announced a multi-year partnership with Microsoft as it embarks on a new tech-focused strategic cycle.
By Julie Strupp • Feb. 28, 2025 -
Danielle Ternes/Construction Dive
Column // The Dotted LineTariff worries force firms to rethink contracts
Builders are facing trade war-induced price escalation, but they can take key steps to help mitigate that risk.
By Sebastian Obando • Feb. 25, 2025 -
Courtesy of Penn State
Economic ReportsThe 9 largest commercial construction starts of January 2025
Overall activity dropped during the first month of the year, though infrastructure work kept builders busy, according to Dodge Construction Network.
By Sebastian Obando • Feb. 25, 2025
