The construction sector in the U.S. saw a significant slowdown in hiring, with job openings decreasing by 38,000 in March 2025, marking the lowest hiring rate ever recorded. The industry had 248,000 job openings, a 27% drop from the previous year. Total hires fell by 10% year-on-year. Despite some contractors planning to increase staffing, economic challenges, including tariffs, are impacting hiring expectations. Major projects, like Intel’s Ohio semiconductor plant and Microsoft’s data centres, face delays due to rising costs and reduced demand.

The US administration’s new tariffs have injected significant uncertainty into global markets, causing a downturn in the energy sector. The VIX index surged to 60 points, reflecting heightened market fear. Oil prices fell, with Brent crude trading at US$64, as OPEC+ plans to increase production. Coal markets remain stable despite increased supply and reduced demand from Asia. Petcoke prices declined as users switch to coal, influenced by potential tariffs on Chinese-built vessels. The situation remains fluid, with central banks poised to adjust interest rates in response to evolving conditions.

Clean energy manufacturers canceled or downsized nearly $8 billion in projects in Q1 2025, citing uncertainty stemming from Trump administration policies, including frozen Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding and tariffs. High-profile cancellations included Kore Power’s $1.25 billion battery facility in Arizona and Freyr Battery’s $2.6 billion Georgia factory. While some companies, like T1 Energy, continue to invest in U.S. clean energy, industry leaders warn that policy uncertainty is stalling progress and jeopardising jobs.

The upcoming 10-year infrastructure strategy in the UK emphasises the need for innovative approaches to enhance deliverability and affordability. Andy Wain of Mott MacDonald highlights the importance of learning from past projects and effectively utilising Programme Management Offices (PMO). The strategy aims to ensure projects are set up correctly from the start, leveraging lessons from successful initiatives like the London 2012 Olympics. The newly formed National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) is expected to play a crucial role in standardising knowledge sharing and ensuring project readiness.

India has commenced work on several hydroelectric projects after suspending parts of the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan. The projects aim to harness water resources more effectively and bolster energy production. This move follows escalating tensions between the two nations and reflects India’s strategic focus on water resource management. The developments are expected to have significant geopolitical and environmental implications in the region.

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Roads has unveiled updated design guidelines aimed at enhancing the safety of roundabouts. These new guidelines incorporate international best practices and focus on improving traffic flow and reducing accidents. The initiative is part of broader efforts to improve road safety across the kingdom, aligning with the country’s commitment to reducing traffic fatalities and enhancing infrastructure. This development underscores Saudi Arabia’s proactive approach to road safety and infrastructure modernisation.

California is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to expedite wildfire reconstruction efforts. The state has partnered with several tech companies to deploy AI-driven tools that can assess damage, prioritise rebuilding projects, and streamline the permitting process. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and speed of recovery operations, ensuring that affected communities can be rebuilt more quickly and resiliently. The use of AI in this context highlights the growing role of technology in disaster response and infrastructure development.

Recent advancements in construction technology include PlanHub 2.0, an all-in-one pre-construction platform enhancing project discovery and management. XYZ Reality’s platform offers real-time data management and 4D BIM integration, improving site visualisation and reporting. Topcon Positioning Systems introduces a mobile LiDAR scanner for efficient road construction, while CLT Toolbox provides timber design tools for structural engineers, streamlining calculations and design processes. These innovations aim to optimize construction efficiency and accuracy across various industry sectors.

IBM has pledged billions of dollars to boost U.S. manufacturing in response to new tariffs. The investment aims to enhance domestic production capabilities and mitigate the impact of trade policies. IBM’s strategy includes strengthening its operating model and advancing strategic priorities to emerge stronger from the current environment.

Arial 11 – Recent research from Imperial College London and the University of Bristol highlights the potential of aerial robotics in construction. Utilising Aerial Additive Manufacturing (Aerial AM), drones can perform mid-air material deposition, enhancing safety, sustainability, and scalability. These flying robots can access elevated and hazardous areas, overcoming traditional construction limitations. Despite challenges like material durability and coordination, early tests at Switzerland’s DroneHub show promise for rapid repairs and modular assembly, indicating a transformative future for construction technology.

Construction has begun on Belgium’s €7 billion energy island, known as Princess Elisabeth Island. This groundbreaking project, led by the Elia Group and funded by the European Commission, will be the world’s first artificial energy island. Located 45 km off the Belgian coast, the island will serve as an interconnector hub with the UK and Denmark, supporting 3.5 GW of offshore wind capacity. The construction, undertaken by a consortium of Jan De Nul and DEME, is set to be completed by 2026, with full connection capacity expected by 2030.

CASE Construction Equipment has introduced a range of new products in India, including advanced backhoe loaders and excavators designed to meet the needs of the local market. The new models focus on fuel efficiency, enhanced performance, and operator comfort, catering to the growing demand for modern construction machinery in the region. This launch underscores CASE’s commitment to supporting India’s infrastructure development and expanding its presence in the country.

Bechtel has paused tank construction work on two additional projects following a fatal incident at a U.S. site. The decision comes as part of a company-wide safety review to ensure the well-being of workers and adherence to safety protocols. Bechtel stated that operations will resume only after comprehensive safety assessments are completed. This move highlights the company’s commitment to prioritising safety across all its projects.

Aecom has acquired Scottish consultancy Allen Gordon LLP, enhancing its presence in the water and energy sectors. This strategic move aligns with Aecom’s growth plans, leveraging Allen Gordon’s established client relationships and framework capacity. The acquisition is expected to bolster Aecom’s market position, particularly in the UK and Ireland, as it aims to double its global water business in five years. Financial terms remain undisclosed.

JCB, a UK-based heavy machinery manufacturer, is expanding its San Antonio factory to 1 million square feet to counteract the impact of US tariffs. The $500 million facility, set to create 1,580 jobs, aims to mitigate short-term financial impacts and enhance medium-term prospects. With production starting next year, the expansion aligns with JCB’s strategy to strengthen its presence in the US, the world’s largest construction equipment market.

Mace has appointed Gary Sweeney to lead its health and technology consultancy operations across Europe. Sweeney will focus on driving growth in these sectors, leveraging his extensive experience in project delivery and client management. This appointment aligns with Mace’s strategy to expand its consultancy services and strengthen its presence in key European markets.

Sobha Realty has announced plans to develop a coastal city project in Umm Al Quwain, UAE. The ambitious development will span 11 million square meters and include residential, commercial, and leisure facilities. Designed to promote sustainable living, the project will feature green spaces, advanced infrastructure, and waterfront views. This initiative reflects Sobha Realty’s commitment to creating integrated communities and supporting the UAE’s urban development goals.

McLaren Construction has been appointed to deliver a multi-storey car park at Dubai Harbour. The project will include over 2,700 parking spaces across multiple levels, supporting the region’s growing tourism and maritime activities. Designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding infrastructure, the car park will enhance accessibility and convenience for visitors. This development underscores Dubai’s commitment to expanding its world-class facilities and infrastructure.