In today’s construction news, read about a construction worker who was sawing a beam on April 28 when it broke loose, causing him to fall about 40 feet from US-127 at Trowbridge Road. Meanwhile, many Americans now find homeownership even more unattainable due to the recent spike in construction expenses. Finally, the growing demand for housing and infrastructure projects around the world is expected to propel the global construction aggregates market’s robust rise.
A US 127 Worker Fell 40 Feet in East Lansing and Was Hospitalized
Original Source: Worker on US 127 project hospitalized after falling 40 feet in East Lansing
A construction worker fell 40 feet from US-127 at Trowbridge Road on April 28 after a beam he was sawing gave way.
“He fell with the beam, and the beam landed on him,” city spokesperson Carrie Sampson via email, adding that the worker plunged to railroad tracks underneath the highway.
She claimed the incident was reported to the East Lansing Fire Department at noon Monday.
The man was treated at the scene and taken to the hospital, Sampson said. No name was given.
“We don’t currently have any additional information about his injuries,” Sampson added.
The Michigan Department of Transportation is upgrading US 127 from Interstate 69 in southern Clinton County to the southern Ingham County line over several years.
The MDOT representative did not respond to State Journal inquiries on the incident.
This year, Interstates 96 and 496 began phase 2 of the renovation.
The southbound lanes of the freeway are being rebuilt over the 3½-mile section between the two interstates, similar to the northbound side last year.
The Housing Market’s Foundational Shift Due to Growing Construction Worker Wages
Original Source: How rising wages for construction workers are shifting the foundations of the housing market
Many Americans cannot afford homeownership due to rising construction costs. This issue isn’t new: The U.S. Government Accountability Office warned in 1978 that rising expenses were endangering the American dream, when the median home price was US$44,300, less than three times the median household income. That number now exceeds $419,000, five times the median American income.
An ignored cause of this surge? Labor expenses.
In our recent analysis, we examined pay and labor trends in over 20 construction vocations from 1999 to 2023 as engineering experts. It was surprising that unskilled people in the lowest-paid jobs witnessed the biggest income gains. These gains have affected the entire construction industry.
A shifting building landscape
Since researchers last examined construction workforce trends 25 years ago, much can change. Construction earnings were plummeting due to affordable trade schools and decreased union membership.
The landscape is different today. Construction faces an annual labor shortage of about 500,000 workers. Wage dynamics have also changed significantly.
The lowest-paid jobs gain most.
Construction projects require expert specialists like engineers and electricians and unskilled laborers. Unskilled laborers get less for trench digging, concrete mixing, and site preparation. Therefore, contractors recruit more of them.
While contractors prefer to focus on expensive trained labor when forecasting project costs, our recent analysis shows that unskilled workers have had the highest salary gains in recent decades. They received 2.75% to 3.5% annual raises, compared to 2.5% for most skilled jobs.
The U.S. construction workforce is also shifting, with 88% of employers having trouble hiring labor. The shortfall is worst for unskilled workers. Today, half as many unskilled assistance work as in 1999.
Given these trends, contractors should account for rising low-skilled worker expenses to prevent budgetary shortages and project hazards. Our study provides contractors with a simple wage trend forecasting method to estimate future labor costs.
Wage increases ripple.
Interestingly, unskilled jobs saw the highest salary increases and influenced other trades.
We examined these vocations as a system using econometric models. We found that early project trades affect later trade wages. Unskilled construction laborers, who prepare sites and handle materials, drove industry wage trends. When their wages rise, others’ do too.
These findings suggest contractors should closely monitor early-stage wage trends. When early-trade or unskilled worker wages rise, labor costs frequently follow. Companies can better manage expenditures by planning ahead.
After COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the 2018 steel and aluminum tariffs, the construction industry is still struggling. Worsening labor shortages, increased tariffs, and global supply chain disruptions will further affect the business.
However, tracking market data helps identify trends and formulate effective responses. Our research team – working closely with major U.S. contractors through the Missouri Consortium for Construction Innovation – is exploring solutions across a range of issues, including construction material costs, cross-border material trade with Canada and Mexico, and persistent labor shortages, among other critical topics.
US Tariffs Affect Construction Aggregates Market
Original Source: Construction Aggregates Market Reflects US Tariff Impact Analysis | USD 763.2 Bn
The global Construction Aggregates Market will increase due to rising infrastructure and housing demand. The market is predicted to grow 5.8% annually to USD 763.2 billion by 2034 from USD 434.3 billion in 2024.
Aggregates dominated the Construction Aggregates Market by Product Type in 2024 with 73.3% share. Their ubiquitous use in road bases, concrete manufacture, and infrastructure expansion drives their domination. Infrastructure dominated the Construction Aggregates Market By End-use category with 44.4%. This aggressive posture emphasizes aggregates’ importance in highways, bridges, airports, dams, and rail networks.
Construction Aggregates Market Size
Construction Aggregates Market Impact of US Tariffs
The US charges 25% on steel and aluminum imports, 54% on Chinese imports, and 10% on all UK imports. These actions may increase material costs and disrupt supply chains, affecting project timetables and budgets.
Retaliatory tariffs are unclear, as the UK and EU appear to be adopting different methods. China has added 34% duties in retaliation. The volatility and unpredictability of these trade regulations have complicated international corporate operations and changed global trade.
Key Takeaways
Global Construction Aggregates Market is estimated to reach USD 763.2 billion by 2034, up from USD 434.3 billion in 2024, and expand 5.8% from 2025 to 2034.
Aggregates held 73.30% of the construction aggregates market in 2024.
Infrastructure will consume 44.40% of building aggregate in 2024.
Asia-Pacific leads building aggregates at USD 231.4 Bn with 53.30% market share.
Analyst View
Infrastructure development and urbanization offer investment opportunities. Investors should consider environmental rules and raw material price volatility. Environmental rules and zoning constraints affect production and pricing in the U.S. construction aggregates market.
Efficiency and sustainability are improving as technology changes the industry. Environmental concerns and regulations are driving recycled aggregate utilization. Mining companies invest in sophisticated technologies to boost efficiency and profits.
Report Scope
Market cap (2024) USD 434.3 Billion Revenue Forecast (2034) USD 763.2 Billion (2025-2034) CAGR 5.8%
Segments Covered: Aggregates (Crushed Stone, Sand, Gravel, Slag, Recycled Aggregates), Ready Mix (Transit, Shrink, Central Mixed Concrete), Asphalt (Straight-run, Hard Grade, Oxidized, Cutback, Emulsion, Polymer Modified), End-use (Infrastructure, Aviation, Railroad, Water Supply, Power, Energy, Waste Management)
Landscape of Competition CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V., Sika AG, Exxon Mobil Corporation, BP plc, Shell plc, Holcim Group, ACC Limited, Vulcan Materials Company, China National Building Material Group Co., Ltd., Buzzi Unicem SpA, U.S. Concrete, Heidelberg Materials, Martin Marietta Materials, Dillon Bros Ready Mix Concrete, TotalEnergies SE.
Main Market Segments
Analysis by Product Type
Aggregates dominated the Construction Aggregates Market by Product Type in 2024 with 73.3% share. Their ubiquitous use in road bases, concrete manufacture, and infrastructure expansion drives their domination. Aggregates are preferred in commercial and residential construction due to their versatility, availability, and cost.
Global infrastructure developments in roadways, railways, airports, and smart cities have increased aggregate demand. Durable foundational materials are needed as urbanization rises, especially in emerging economies. Concrete and asphalt require aggregates for strength and cement compatibility.
End-use Analysis
Infrastructure dominated the Construction Aggregates Market By End-use category in 2024 with 44.4%. This aggressive posture emphasizes aggregates’ importance in highways, bridges, airports, dams, and rail networks. Governments worldwide are investing heavily in public infrastructure to boost economic growth, raising aggregate demand. Their use in foundation laying, embankment stabilization, and drainage systems emphasizes their relevance to infrastructure.
Region Analysis
Asia-Pacific led the global Construction Aggregates Market in 2024 with 53.3% market share and USD 231.4 billion in valuation. This regional strength comes from growing urbanization, population expansion, and infrastructure investments in China, India, and Southeast Asia. Infrastructure investments in highways, metro systems, smart cities, and commercial real estate have boosted construction aggregate demand.
Infrastructure rehabilitation, transportation network upgrade, and housing redevelopment projects boosted market shares in North America and Europe. New construction projects in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa drove moderate development in the Middle East & Africa. Latin America made consistent development due to urban infrastructure investments and transportation connection upgrades.
Top Use Cases
Road construction uses crushed stone and gravel for the base and sub-base layers. They stabilize, uniformly distribute weights, and increase durability. Their use smoothes roadways and minimizes maintenance, making them safer and cheaper. In concrete production, aggregates like sand and gravel are crucial components. About the concrete volume, they provide compressive strength and reduce shrinkage. This makes buildings and bridges stronger. Aggregates are utilized in drainage systems to promote water flow and reduce waterlogging. They prevent water damage to foundations and roadbeds by allowing water to flow efficiently. Heavy rains and flooding locations require this. Railway ballast is crushed stone aggregate used under railway tracks. To maintain track alignment, they retain wooden or concrete ties, distribute train weights, and facilitate drainage. Safe and steady railway operations are ensured. Erosion Control: Aggregates, like riprap, are used to control erosion by placing huge stones along shorelines or slopes. They absorb and deflect water energy, avoiding soil erosion and conserving infrastructure and habitats. Recent developments
1. CEMEX S.A.B.V.
CEMEX now produces sustainable aggregates in Europe and the U.S. using recycled materials. The company introduced Vertua low-carbon aggregates to reduce CO₂ emissions in construction. CEMEX invested in AI-powered quarry optimization for extraction efficiency.
2. Sika AG
Sika acquired MBCC Group to improve concrete admixtures and aggregates. SikaGrind technology increased cement efficiency and reduced raw material utilization. Sika added recycled aggregates for green construction.
3. Exxon Mobil
ExxonMobil improved road longevity with low-emission asphalt aggregate bitumen additives. The company tested carbon-captured aggregates in infrastructure projects with construction firms to promote sustainable construction.
4. BP plc
To reduce fossil fuel use, BP invested in bio-bitumen road aggregates. It supported startups producing carbon-negative construction materials including recycled aggregates.
5. Shell plc
Shell Bitumen FreshAir reduces asphalt production emissions. The company recycled industrial waste into construction aggregates using circular economy partners.
Conclusion
The Construction Aggregates Market is growing due to urbanization, infrastructural development, and demand for sustainable building materials. Construction in China, India, and Southeast Asia drives growth. Infrastructure upgrades drive demand in North America and Europe, while urban initiatives in the Middle East and Latin America boost demand. CEMEX, Sika, and Shell are following global environmental trends by developing recycled and low-carbon aggregates.
Summary of today’s construction news
To sum it up, in a multi-year project, the Michigan Department of Transportation is rebuilding US 127 from Interstate 69 in southern Clinton County south to the southern Ingham County line. The man was taken to the hospital after receiving medical attention at the scene, according to Sampson.
Meanwhile, on top of that, rising labor shortages, new tariffs and global supply chain disruptions mean the industry will continue to confront substantial hurdles. However, tracking market data offers a tremendous opportunity to understand developing trends and develop plans to respond successfully.
Finally, the market for construction aggregates is expanding rapidly because of factors such as infrastructural expansion, urbanisation, and the growing need for environmentally friendly building materials. In line with worldwide sustainability trends, businesses such as CEMEX, Sika, and Shell are experimenting with recycled and low-carbon aggregates.
