Weekly quiz: Data centre construction lag | US-China tariffs | Eurozone activity wobbles

1) What is one of the main factors causing delays in the construction of new data centres in key markets, according to a new report?

• Shortage of skilled labour for large-scale technology projects.
• Limited availability of power, including delays to substation approvals and grid connection infrastructure.
• Rising steel and concrete costs due to global supply chain disruptions.

2) What is the immediate effect of US President Donald Trump’s executive order extending the US–China tariff truce by 90 days?

• It cancels all existing tariffs on Chinese imports.
• It delays planned tariff increases on hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of Chinese goods.
• It implements a new trade framework between the US and China.

3) The EU is reviewing its Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR), introduced in 2023 to tackle unfair competition from non-EU countries. What powers does the FSR give the EU?

• To block companies subsidised by foreign governments from public procurement, mergers, and sales into the single market.
• To impose tariffs on all goods imported from non-EU countries
• To set minimum wage levels for companies operating in the EU.

4) According to the latest HCOB Eurozone Construction PMI, which of the following statements is correct?

• Germany recorded its sharpest fall in output among the Eurozone’s three largest economies in July.
• Italy was the only one of the three largest Eurozone economies where construction firms forecast growth.
• The Eurozone Total Activity Index rose above the 50.0 threshold for the first time in 39 months.

5) Which of the following is not mentioned as part of Aecom’s approach to delivering the second phase of the $4bn The Avenues in Riyadh?

• Deployment of advanced digital project management tools.
• Use of lean construction methodologies.
• Construction of a new metro station linking directly to the development.

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