Ken Simonson: construction shows strength in uncertain times - but how long will it last?

Amid sweeping tariffs, rising materials costs, and labor shortages, the U.S. construction industry is navigating one of its most uncertain periods in decades. Yet despite the turbulence, growth continues to outpace the broader economy. In his speech to the Scaffold & Access Industry Association, Ken Simonson, chief economist of US construction trade association the Associated General Contractors, addressed the question of how long this resilience can last. Lindsey Anderson reports.

Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) chief economist Ken Simonson. (Image: Mitchell Keller)