Global Scans · Construction · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: 65 per cent of global construction growth for the next decade will happen in emerging markets. Smart cities, sustainable construction, greater urbanization and pre-fabricated buildings will all play their part in future construction growth.

• [New] The construction sector is projected to shift from stagnation to growth in 2026, with residential construction showing promise as new permits increase steadily. Yahoo Finance Canada
• [New] Autodesk Construction Cloud is gaining serious traction with owners, general contractors, and designers seeking to reduce project risk and increase efficiency. TIKR.com
• [New] Globally, construction output is expected to grow 3.3% in 2026, helped by easing financial conditions and gradual residential recovery, though civil engineering and non-residential growth may moderate under fiscal pressure. alcircle
• [New] Data center and power generation construction activity alone will generate more than $215 billion in activity, growing at a combined rate of 9.6% in 2026. Default
• [New] The majority of new labour demand in 2026 will stem from 20% of U.S. workers approaching retirement and from an ageing workforce, rather than new construction activity. RKL
• [New] Many investors continue to view the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index as a bellwether for domestic fixed income, yet its construction reflects a narrow and increasingly incomplete opportunity set. Thornburg Investment Management
• [New] Construction: New retail construction is projected to fall by 37% in 2026 as developers remain cautious amid persistent economic uncertainty. Knowledge Leader - Commercial Real Estate Content Hub
• [New] Coastal chiefs say they will use every tool available to stop construction if Ottawa pushes ahead with a North Coast pipeline. National Native News
• [New] China will step up efforts to upgrade its construction industry by prioritizing quality, innovation and safety, as part of its push to build an upgraded version of the Chinese Construction brand during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030). Bastillepost
• [New] Renovation-focused construction activity and sustainability policies are forecasted to influence the demand for variable refrigerant flow systems in Europe. SkyQuest Technology Consulting
• [New] SafeWork NSW and WorkSafe Victoria are teaming up to help the construction industry in Echuca and Moama reduce the risk of falls and asbestos exposure as part of the Cross Border program. Mirage News
• [New] The construction of new flood defences along the River Avon will not begin for at least another five years. BBC News
• [New] Major global events taking place in 2026, including the FIFA World Cup and the America 250 celebrations, will place additional strain on supply chains, particularly in sectors such as construction, food, hospitality and logistics. Sustainability Online - A business news platform with a
• [New] The period from 2028 to 2030 will focus on finalising and optimising processes and improving line efficiency in accordance with industry standards, thereby serving as a basis for researching chip fabrication technology at more advanced process nodes. alcircle
• [New] Taking the island-wide closure as a new starting point, efforts will focus on high-standard construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port, striving to make it a leading gateway for China's new era of opening up. Tiger Brokers
• [New] Gru Space plans a series of test missions beginning in 2029 and 2031 to validate habitat deployment, robotic construction, and resource processing on the moon. My Modern Met
• [New] Automation: By late 2025, UPS successfully automated 63% of its hub volume, with a goal of 400 automated buildings by 2028. Valley City Times-Record
• [New] Backed by the Federal Government's Critical Minerals Facility, the Eneabba Rare Earths Refinery is under construction, with commissioning scheduled for 2027. Australian Mining
• [New] Construction is planned for 2028 and operations expected in 2031, pending FID, with the plant slated to produce 25,000 tonnes of eSAF per year. / UK GreenAir News
• [New] The UK's £15 billion Warm Homes Plan marks a pivotal investment in sustainable construction, accelerating the shift toward energy-efficient buildings with solar panels, heat pumps and advanced insulation. Whole Life Carbon
• [New] Pipeline construction reaches an 18-year high on natural gas demand Midland Reporter-Telegram The United States is entering its most significant natural gas pipeline boom in nearly two decades, with a massive expansion projected for 2026. Marcellus Drilling News
• [New] Construction is expected to begin in the second half of 2026, with the system projected to enter service between 2029 and 2030. / Brazil RCR Wireless News

Last updated: 04 February 2026