Skills shortage in U.S. construction

Over 90% of US construction contractors are concerned about labor shortages, with just under 50% also reporting that they expect this problem to worsen in the next six months, according to data from the USG Corporation and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Commercial Construction Index.

Despite these challenges, contractor confidence is high, with 96% reporting that they expect the demand for commercial construction services to increase in the next 12 months.

Due to President Trump’s move to place a tariff on steel and aluminum, it is not surprising that many of the respondents stated that they are concerned about fluctuations in their prices.

Those contractors with concerns about steel prices jumped significantly in the second quarter to 63%, up 33% from a year ago. More than 85% of those surveyed expect US steel tariffs to have some impact on their businesses.

”The commercial construction industry is vital to the growth of the U.S. economy. Steel and aluminum tariffs and continued workforce shortages threaten to slow the industry’s growth and job creation,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the US Chamber.

“We must embrace free enterprise, rather than undermine the competitiveness of American business, as well as invest in a skilled and motivated workforce to ensure our companies and job seekers alike have the platforms to compete on a global scale.”