Steel companies are blasting a federal decision to exempt two giant LNG projects in British Columbia from punitive duties on cheaper Chinese steel.

While workforce shortages remain a high-risk factor for many contractors, few employers are using significant compensation increases to help address labor needs.

Commercial and non-building construction continue to grow while other markets recede

But most firms surveyed believe that the industry will experience a soft landing

Construction costs in some U.S. markets—notably San Francisco, New York City, Seattle and Portland, Ore.—reached up to 6% escalation through 2018 due to tariffs and a stretched labor market