Global Scans · Construction · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: 65 per cent of global construction growth for the next decade will happen in emerging markets. Smart cities, sustainable construction, greater urbanization and pre-fabricated buildings will all play their part in future construction growth.

• [New] In the ConstructConnect Summer 2026 Construction Starts Forecast, total US construction starts are forecast to rise by 0.8% in 2026, supported by continued strength in Nonresidential building. ConstructConnect
• [New] Canadian construction starts are forecast to fall 16.3% in 2026, with Residential, Nonresidential and Civil activity all expected to contract as macroeconomic headwinds continue to weigh on investment. ConstructConnect
• [New] Construction managers earn a median of $106,980 with 8% projected job growth through 2034. Home Business Magazine
• [New] Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and their impact on the UK economy are expected to hit UK construction activity for the next 12-18 months with a drop in demand and sharp cost increases. JD Supra
• [New] One emerging opportunity is hardwood cross-laminated timber for construction, which could be used to build schools, public buildings, low and high-rise projects, if production facilities are established in Kentucky. UK Research | University of Kentucky
• [New] Fastest-growing Region: Asia Pacific, led by India and ASEAN, is anticipated to record the highest regional growth rates due to housing expansion, healthcare construction, and rising IAQ standards. Persistence Market Research
• [New] The 2026 AGC Construction Industry Outlook projected strong demand for the year, and $2.27 trillion in total construction spending confirms that forecast is materializing. Commercial Contractor Pros
• [New] More deals and more construction will make AI data centers and Cursor enterprise AI business the main business for SpaceX until AI data centers in space take over in 2028-2029. NextBigFuture.com
• [New] The price of aluminum in 2026 will be affected by a mix of structural supply deficits, rising production costs, and global demand dynamics from industries like electrification and construction. sooktrading.com
• [New] Countries in the Middle East & Africa present emerging opportunities through diversification efforts and public infrastructure investments, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where construction output is expected to grow considerably over the next several years. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Conflict in the Middle East and its potential impacts on the UK economy and construction industry are expected to hit construction activity over the next 12-18 months. ConstructUK
• [New] Trillions in debt on office buildings must be refinanced by 2027. investing.com
• [New] The U.S. construction industry needs an estimated 349,000 net new workers in 2026 to meet demand, with another 456,000 workers needed in 2027. Seanote Construction
• [New] The Department of Energy's fiscal year 2027 budget request includes $99.8 million for NDS - A development, covering modelling and simulation, component design, prototype fabrication, and ground testing. / USA MiGFlug.com Blog
• AI adoption in commercial buildings could reduce energy use by 8-19% by 2050, with up to a 40% reduction combined with aggressive policy, through applications across equipment efficiency, occupancy optimization, and building controls. California Climate Briefs
• Nucor having spent $20 billion is in the midst of construction of a new grassroot steel sheet mill in Apple Grove, West Virginia, due to come online in 2027. Industrial Info Resources
• U.S. data center construction spending is projected to rise 23% in 2026, and that data centers could generate $10 billion in new insurance premium in 2026. Mean CEO's BLOG
• Asia-Pacific Highest CAGR: Breakneck smart city construction in China, India, and Japan, coupled with rising threat awareness and evolving regulatory frameworks, creates explosive growth potential. openpr

Last updated: 03 June 2026