• Skip to main content

    Analysis

    AGC: Construction Sector Adds Jobs in October

    Written by David Schollaert


    The U.S. construction sector saw an employment boost in October, as firms added 44,000 workers to their payrolls. The increase was supported by a 10.4% decline in the sector’s unemployment rate, while nonresidential construction firms posted back-to-back increases for the first time since January, reports the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) in its latest analysis of government data.

    The employment gains were welcome news, yet employment levels remain well below pre-pandemic totals as firms continue to struggle with supply-chain problems, labor shortages and federal inaction on infrastructure funding, the AGC cautioned.

    David Schollaert

    Read more from David Schollaert

    Latest in Analysis

    Leibowitz: US steel prices skyrocket above world prices. Which are right?

    Steel markets in the United States now feature supply shortages. Spot tons are well-nigh unavailable, and even contract tons are scarce. Based on the available statistics, the US market for flat-rolled products is seriously constrained. The US economy is still the strongest in the world, and manufacturing output remains vigorous. But the available supply is tight. The reason is fairly obvious. US domestic supply has increased a bit. Meanwhile, imports have fallen significantly.

    US scrap prices strengthen from initial October levels

    Earlier this week, several steelmakers entered the market with prices for shredded, plate and structural (P&S), and heavy melting steel (HMS) up $20 per gross ton (gt) from September. Prices on prime grades were initially missing but were then reported as up only $10. This occurred in select regions, mainly in the northern tier. As the week went on, expectations were that the rest of the market would follow suit. But this has not been the case.

    SMU scrap market survey results now available

    SMU’s October ferrous scrap market survey results are now available on our website to all premium members. After logging in at steelmarketupdate.com, visit the Pricing and Analysis tab and look under the “survey results” section for Ferrous Scrap Survey results. Past scrap survey results are also available under that selection. If you need help accessing the survey results or if your company would like to have your voice heard in our future surveys

    US steel imports reach 15-month high in August, rise further in September

    Steel imports into the US crept higher in August and continued climbing in September, according to the Department of Commerce's latest import license data. August imports rose 3.4% from July to a 15-month high. September license data collected through Oct. 5 shows another 6.2% month-on-month increase. Imports continue to recover from some of the lowest levels since 2020, seen late last year through February this year.