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] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] U.S. data center construction spending is projected to rise 23% in 2026, and that data centers could generate $10 billion in new insurance premium in 2026. Mean CEO's BLOG
• [New] Asia-Pacific Highest CAGR: Breakneck smart city construction in China, India, and Japan, coupled with rising threat awareness and evolving regulatory frameworks, creates explosive growth potential. openpr
• [New] More than 245,100 construction workers are projected to retire by 2032, leading to a shortage of more than 61,400 workers. / Canada The Guardian
• [New] Construction of a nuclear plant is expected to begin in 2027, with up to 14,500 temporary construction workers anticipated at peak. / USA Meetings Today
• [New] Between 2024 and 2027, annual investment in data center buildings rises 2.2 times, from US$ 113.8 billion to US$ 251.8 billion. PwC
• [New] As the world races to unlock the full potential of AI, a surge in spending on data center buildings is rapidly unfolding and comes in addition to investment in ICT equipment, such as chips and servers. PwC
• [New] Buildings are major contributors to global energy use and CO2 emissions, so it's no surprise that improving their efficiency will be a central focus in the years ahead. cities-to-be
• [New] Modular home construction methods could see greater demand in the coming years as cost-conscious builders seek new ways to deliver homes at attainable prices while preserving profit margins. Yahoo Finance
• [New] In 2026, continued policy support for infrastructure and export manufacturing is expected to sustain high demand for construction-grade cellulose aethers. / China Persistence Market Research
• Ongoing advancements in the field of bio-fabrication is another crucial factor that is anticipated to push 4D printing demand by 2032. Persistence Market Research

Last updated: 27 May 2026