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    Analysis

    April 29, 2021

    AGC: Construction Employment Still Down in Metro Areas

    Written by David Schollaert

    Despite a homebuilding boom and an improving economy, construction employment fell in 203 metro areas in the 12 months from March 2020 to March 2021, reported the Associated General Contractors of America in their analysis of the latest government data. The 57.0% decrease in jobs over the 12-month period has hampered the industry on top of rising materials prices, supply chain disruptions and project cancellations in many parts of the country.

    “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,” said AGC’s Chief Economist Ken Simonson. “Nonresidential construction is still at risk of further declines in much of the country.”

    David Schollaert

    David Schollaert is deputy editor-in-chief for Steel Market Update. David joined SMU after more than a decade in the metals and mining industry in a myriad of different roles. Much of his early experience and expertise were within the coverage and analysis of steel-making raw materials and served previously as senior editor of the CRU Prices Service. Most recently, however, before his return to market analysis, David held roles as a metals buyer and an operations manager for raw material suppliers. He can be contacted at david@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-720-1008.

    Read more from David Schollaert

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