Weekly quiz: US hiring pullback | China bridge record | Timber tariffs

1) In August 2025, US construction job openings dropped to their lowest level in nearly a decade. What was the reported figure, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of government data?

• 188,000
• 303,000
• 116,000

2) China has opened the Huajiang Gorge Bridge, with a deck 625 metres above the river. What record does this structure claim?

• It is the tallest overall bridge structure, surpassing France’s Millau Viaduct
• It is the longest suspension bridge in terms of main span length
• It has the world’s highest bridge deck clearance above ground or water

3) President Donald Trump has announced new tariffs on imported timber and wood products, citing national security concerns. What initial tariff rate will be applied to timber and lumber imports starting 14 October 2025?

• 10%
• 25%
• 35%

4) Develon’s new partnership with Engcon means certain excavators will now come tiltrotator-ready straight from the factory. What is the key benefit of this development for rental companies?

• It allows tiltrotators to be installed or swapped quickly, giving fleets greater flexibility
• It eliminates the need for routine excavator servicing for up to 2,000 hours
• It enables excavators to operate without operators in semi-autonomous mode

5) Off-Highway Research warns that the expansion of US steel and aluminium tariffs will affect all construction machinery buyers, even for equipment made domestically. Why are US-manufactured machines still expected to rise sharply in price?

• Because many US-made machines still use imported steel and components subject to the tariffs
• Because the new rules ban the use of steel in any construction equipment sold in the US
• Because American factories are relocating overseas and adding transport costs

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