Iam by no means a mathematician – my eldest child was complaining about her struggles doing maths at school and I thought, ‘sorry, you get that from me and your mother’ – but I do find something fascinating about graphs and charts displaying interesting information.
That’s certainly what we have in this issue, with market research experts Off-Highway Research providing a global overview of construction equipment sales by type and by country. Turn to page 19 to see for yourself, but the top-line news is: conditions are slightly better than they were last year, when they were subdued.
This is not a reading to get us in the construction industry wildly excited and jumping with glee. However, given what is happening in the world –rising costs, fractured supply chains, and shifting trade dynamics – then it is probably one we should be thankful for, nonetheless.
Elsewhere, we turn our attention to quarrying and mining, a sector which underpins so much of the built environment yet faces pressures from sustainability mandates to technological innovation. We also have features on falsework and formwork and how near – or far – construction is to more widespread adoption of robots.
They say time has a habit of speeding up as you get older in which case, for me at least, ConExpo in March 2026 will be upon us in no time. Find out what’s new for 2026 and what the future holds for North America’s biggest construction trade show with our exclusive interview on page 36. Whether you’re staring at a market chart, thinking about a new machine, or wondering how robots might change the way your teams work, I hope this issue gives you a little insight, a little inspiration, and maybe – just maybe – a hint of optimism.
ICON
W 210 XF: The large milling machine offers a wide range of applications from surface course rehabilitation to complete pavement removal. MILL ASSIST shows the specific CO2 emissions directly on the machine display and always sets the most favorable working ratio between performance and costs in automatic mode. The torque characteristic of the 18 l JD engine has been adapted to the requirements of cold milling. The DUAL SHIFT powershift transmission enables a wide range of milling drum speeds. Maximum precision in levelling and machine positioning is achieved with the integrated LEVEL PRO ACTIVE levelling system. The Wirtgen Group Performance Tracker Milling is available for automated job site documentation.
India’s tax cut for construction; rule change for data centres; Canada pumps billions into housing.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
EDITOR Andy Brown andy.brown@khl.com | +44 (0)1892 786224
TECHNICAL EDITOR Julian Buckley CONSTRUCTION BRIEFING EDITOR
Neil Gerrard
DIRECTOR OF CONTENT Murray Pollok
EDITORIAL MANAGER Alex Dahm
GROUP EDITORS Lindsey Anderson, D.Ann Shiffler, Hannah Sundermeyer, Lewis Tyler, Euan Youdale
CLIENT SUCCESS & DELIVERY TEAM Alex Thomson, Ben Fisher, Olivia Radcliffe
GROUP DESIGNER Jade Hudson
DATA MANAGER Anna Philo
DATA EXECUTIVE Vicki Rummery
HR MANAGER Sharron Brown FINANCE MANAGER Yasmin Toumi
EVENTS MANAGER Steve Webb
EVENTS DESIGN MANAGER Gary Brinklow
CREATIVE DESIGNER Kate Brown
CLIENT SUCCESS & DELIVERY DIRECTOR Peter Watkinson
VP SALES, CONSTRUCTION DIVISION
Peter Collinson
GLOBAL VP SALES Alister Williams
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Paul Baker
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER James King STAFF LIST
There’s ambitious megaprojects aplenty but, as Mitchell Keller discovers, also vast transport builds.
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
Scott Hazelton takes a look at what the data says.
GLOBAL EQUIPMENT
REVIEW
Following a steep decline in sales in 2023 the market is slowly recovering, says Off-Highway Research.
Mitchell Keller reports that success with autonomy, sustainability and efficiency have kept the segment on solid ground.
INDUSTRY INTERVIEW AEM
Dana Wuesthoff, ConExpo show director tells Andy Brown what’s new and what’s next for the show.
CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY
Advances in general-purpose AI machines open new possibilities on site, writes Neil Gerrard
Innovation in this sector seems to be accelerating faster than ever, reports Mitchell Keller
Neil Gerrard on what machine sales tell us about the state of the European construction industry.
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Africa’s tallest building.
8
CANADA Canada has unveiled the first five schemes to be reviewed by its newly created Major Projects Office (MPO), an initiative aimed at reducing approval timelines for projects of national interest to a maximum of two years.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said the MPO would help accelerate “nation-building projects” by streamlining regulatory assessments, co-ordinating with provinces and territories, and structuring financing in partnership with Indigenous groups and private investors. The five projects announced represent more than C$60 billion (US$44 billion) of investment.
POLAND Contractors will have access to tender opportunities worth around PLN40 billion (US$10.6 billion) in 2026 as Poland’s Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) accelerates delivery of its airport and high-speed rail programme.
The company has set out its procurement schedule for 2026–2028, with nearly 100 procedures above PLN 1m ($266,000) planned. The document details start dates by quarter and provides estimated contract values.
CHINA XCMG has hosted a Global Mining Summit on Zero Carbon Smart Solutions where it released what it says is the industry’s first ‘Joint Declaration on Global Zero-Carbon Smart Mining’ in collaboration with 107 companies from 26 countries around the world, aiming at collectively contributing to low-carbon and sustainable development. The declaration covers 12 areas such as electrification, automation, unmanned operations, net-zero emissions, circular economy, technology sharing, and more.
UK Stagnant growth in the UK construction sector is intensifying pressure on contractors’ tender prices, according to market intelligence from construction consultancy Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB). RLB’s weighted average tender price index forecasts a 3.03% increase for 2025, down slightly from its previous projection of 3.22%. While Office for National Statistics data shows overall output up 1% year-on-year to June and 1.7% over the past six months, RLB describes growth as “patchy”. Repair and maintenance work and a modest 1.3% rise in housing activity underpinned the output growth. There has been limited expansion in new orders outside of infrastructure.
India is the seventh-largest country by area and the most populous country IMAGE: ADOBE STOCK
BRIDGE COLLAPSE AFTERMATH
WHAT HAPPENED?
A body representing German construction firms has warned that there has been “no learning” from the collapse of the Carola Bridge in Dresden in 2024, as a promised €500 billion (US$592 billion) infrastructure fund risks being used to plug government budget holes.
Bauindustrie, the association that represents medium- and large-sized German construction contractors has joined forces with MIRO, an association representing raw materials producers, and trade union IG Bau to call for long-term, reliable financing for public infrastructure projects.
They also want to see the special infrastructure fund, approved by Germany’s government earlier this year, to be legally secured for infrastructure and climate protection projects, including at federal state level.
On September 11, 2024, the footpath and streetcar rails of the western bridge C in Dresden suddenly collapsed over a length of almost 100m iMAGE: ADOBE STOCK
OVERSEAS SALES DRIVE GROWTH FOR SANY
Chinese construction equipment manufacturer Sany Heavy Industry has shrugged off trade barriers in Europe and the US to grow its revenue by nearly 15% year on year in the first half of 2025, to US$6.2 billion.
Sany says it international revenue now accounts for 60% of its sales
International revenue accounted for 60.3% of the company’s total revenue and rose by 11.7% to $3.7 billion.
While sales growth in Europe and the Americas was a modest 0.66% and 1.36% respectively, the increases in the Asia-Australia and Africa regions were much higher, at 16.3% and 40.5%, respectively.
Asia-Australia was Sany’s biggest overseas market in the first half of 2025, with sales totalling $1.6 billion. That was followed by Europe ($863 million), the Americas ($710 million), and Africa ($509 million).
The company did not give specific figures for how it performed in its home market of China.
WHAT IT MEANS
The collapse of the bridge has been seen as a symbol of Germany’s neglected and crumbling infrastructure, and the German construction industry is frustrated that the country’s infrastructure fund is not being used
HEALTH AND SAFETY PUSH
South Korea’s government has unveiled plans to strip construction companies of their licences in the event of repeated fatal accidents. The measure is part of a new industrial safety regulation that would also fine companies up to 5% of operating profit if more than three of their workers die from workplace accidents in a year.
President Lee Jae Myung has emphasised the importance of improving job safety. He has tasked the labour minister with introducing new rules to punish employers for repeated fatal accidents. Last year, 589 people died in job-related accidents in South Korea; nearly half of those were in construction.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has cut rates on essential goods – including critical construction materials – to stimulate consumer spending and potentially counter the effects of US tariffs.
The GST Council is a constitutional body responsible for making recommendations on issues related to the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax in India.
The new tax rate for critical construction materials such as cement and steel have been dropped from 28% to 18%. Granite, marble and travertine blocks, the uncut versions, have also come down significantly, from 12% to 5% leading to hopes of reduced costs for home builders.
Mr. Nagendra Nath Sinha, MD, Rodic Digital & Advisory, says that the reduction of GST was a “game-changer for India’s infrastructure sectors.”
He adds that, “With cement and steel forming nearly 40–45% of project costs, this change will cut material tax burden by about 10% and help in saving nearly ₹10 lakh on every ₹1 crore spent. Such savings will make projects more viable, accelerate execution, and boost participation in Public-Private Partnerships. The real estate sector, especially affordable housing, will also benefit as developers pass on cost efficiencies to consumers.”
At the start of August, US President Donald Trump issued an executive order hitting India with an additional 25% tariff over its purchases of Russian oil. This will raise the total tariff on Indian imports to the United States to 50% – among the highest rates imposed by the US.
to fix the issue with a long-term plan.
“Let me be clear: The promised additionality of the special fund is not happening. Instead, we are seeing a diversion of investment funds from the core budget to other areas,” said Peter Hübner, president of the German construction industry association HDB.
“The regular budget is shrinking, and the gap is being filled with the special fund. Municipal coffers remain tight and too little construction continues, even to ensure local public services. Those responsible have clearly learned nothing from the Dresden bridge collapse.”
He also criticised Germany for building too slowly, with too much complexity, and with too little efficiency.
Christian Strunk, president of MIRO, said more needed to be done to cut red tape around the extraction of raw materials in the country, in order to make enough materials available for construction demand.
SPEEDING UP DATA CENTRES
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced plans to reform its New Source Review (NSR) pre-construction permitting rules to reduce delays to data centre and power generation projects.
EPA administrator Lee Zeldin said new guidance would allow certain building work that does not affect air emissions, such as installing cement pads, to proceed before a Clean Air Act construction permit is issued. The agency intends to launch a rulemaking process to clarify the definition of “Begin Actual Construction” under NSR regulations, distinguishing between emissions-related and non-emissions-related activities.
WHAT’S NEXT?
German construction bodies have set out their demands to the Bundestag over the issues. They include introducing reliable, long-term financing for public infrastructure projects; to secure the promised additionality of the special fund for infrastructure and climate protection in the laws; and to continue to guarantee regional security of supply with construction raw materials through domestic extraction and to recognise this as part of the basic public service.
The bodies have also asked for planning and approval procedures for infrastructure projects and raw material extractions to accelerate and to ensure that fair working conditions secured by collective agreements become more the norm once again.
It remains to be seen what action the German government takes.
NEW BECHTEL LEADER
Bechtel has appointed Martina Strong as region president for Central Europe and the Middle East, following a career of nearly 30 years in the US Foreign Service.
Strong most recently served as US ambassador to the UAE. The company said her focus will include strengthening government relationships, supporting ongoing projects and pursuing new business opportunities.
During her diplomatic career, Strong held senior roles across the Middle East and Europe. She was chargé d’affaires at the US embassy in Saudi Arabia and served in postings in Bulgaria, Iraq, Poland, the Czech Republic, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and France.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the largest hydropower project ever built in Africa, has been officially opened.
The infrastructure project was designed and constructed by Italian-based Webuild, one of the world’s largest contractors.
The official ceremony was attended by Pietro Salini, Chief Executive of Webuild, alongside Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and the Heads of State of other African countries.
GERD – commissioned by Ethiopian
Electric Power – has an installed production capacity of more than 5,000MW and an expected annual output of 15,700GWh, meaning that it can generate energy equivalent to three medium-sized nuclear power plants.
Its reservoir stretches 172km and is able to hold up to 74 billion cubic meters of water, making it the largest hydropower project in Africa.
The main dam stands 170m tall and spans 1,800m at the crest, with a volume of 10.7 million cubic meters of concrete – earning it the record as the largest roller-compacted
concrete (RCC) gravity dam ever built in Africa by volume.
On December 28, 2014, the construction site set a world record by laying 23,000 cubic meters of RCC in just 24 hours.
Over 25,000 people, many of whom were Ethiopians, worked on the project, gaining skills and expertise that can be applied to future projects.
Webuild has operated in Ethiopia for over 70 years and says that the inauguration of GERD marks a new milestone in its journey of progress and project completion. iC
ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF WEBUILD
RIYADH US$4BN MIXED-USE HUB
Aecom has won the role of project management consultant (PMC) and engineer for the second phase of The Avenues in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia is working on some of the most awe-inspiring construction projects in history, but reality may be setting in on some of the most ambitious builds, Mitchell Keller reports
Saudi Arabia has construction at the centre of its economic transformation: Since launching its ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, the Kingdom has revealed a stream of giga-projects that range from mirrored desert cities to luxury islands on the Red Sea, each designed to help cultivate a new national identity.
The stakes are high. The country will host the 2030 World Expo and the 2034 FIFA World Cup; in response, state-backed developers are
racing to deliver airports, metros and resorts at unprecedented scale and speed, with contract awards hitting nearly US$148 billion in 2024.
But ambition brings scrutiny, and there’s little escaping the harsh truths of today’s tariff-impacted global economy, coupled with still lingering supply-chain effects from the pandemic and ever-present skilled labour shortages. Even though some schemes are moving from renderings to reality, other builds are getting scaled back or delayed.
Between showcase projects, delivery risks, and the steady roll of conventional infrastructure, in the desert nation the construction story is one of extremes under pressure – part diamond, part rough.
A beautiful vision
The country’s biggest driver of construction activity is Vision 2030, which is the Kingdom’s multi-year plan to diversify its economy through investment into infrastructure, tourism, and technology, and includes megaprojects like Neom, the Jeddah redevelopment programme, and the Qiddiya sports city. The scheme has not only captured the imagination of armchair
Shomoul Holding Company awarded the role to Aecom for the mixed-use development in North Riyadh City, Saudia Arabia, following the delivery of The Avenues Phase One.
The Avenues is a US$4 billion project that spans nearly 1.9 million sq m of buildup area and 370,000 sq m of leasable area. It contains a shopping mall and five towers featuring hospitality, commercial, and residential spaces.
Aecom said it would deploy advanced digital project management tools, datadriven dashboards and lean construction methodologies to optimise project tracking, enhance communications, and mitigate risks during the work.
The Avenues is due to open in early 2026.
A digital render of the five towers at The Avenues in North Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia IMAGE: SHOMOUL PROPERTY HOLDINGS
Interior rendering of Neom’s The Line smart city IMAGE: NEOM
Render of the future Jeddah Opera Center IMAGE COURTESY JEDDAH CENTRAL
architects and design aficionados – it has also created one of the world’s largest pipelines of construction work.
By mid-2024 alone, almost $50 billion in work had already been signed off, according to the multinational trade organisation US-Saudi Business Council. That figure totals just six months but is close to the full total from 2022.
Vision 2030 stretches far beyond a single sector. It covers luxury tourism, logistics, cultural hubs, housing and mixed-use developments. For contractors, the breadth is unmatched, with one of the largest developers being state-owned Red Sea Global (RSG), which is opening high-end resorts as part of a luxury coastal build-out strategy.
RSG projects provide a solid illustration of both the scale and activity across the Kingdom, with some major builds now finished or nearing completion.
For example, Six Senses Southern Dunes, part of the multi-billion dollar Red Sea Project, opened in 2023. Also part of the programme is the Amaala wellness destination, which has already seen around $7 billion in contracts awarded and is anticipating an initial opening this year, with a grand opening in 2027. Shura Island – a luxury hospitality destination – is constructing 11 resorts linked by a 1.2km overwater bridge to an airport.
Fahad Al Balawi, head of construction for RSG on the Amaala build, describes the approach as regenerative, as the immense builds are also said to be designed and constructed with high sustainability standards. “Our goal is not just to build exceptional resorts, but to create destinations that leave a net-positive impact on both the environment and local communities,” says Al Balawi.
SURREAL SPORTS STADIUM IN QIDDIYA CITY
Situated atop the 200m-high Tuwaiq escarpment outside Riyadh, this 45,000-seat stadium designed by Populous features a retractable roof and pitch, as well as expansive LED screens enabling seamless configuration for sports, entertainment and e-sports use.
Qiddiya Investment Co has awarded a US$1 billion contract to a Spanish consortium to build the project, made up of FCC Construction and Saudi Arabia’s Nesma & Partners.
Crane firm Wolffkran signed a deal announced in May this year to provide a tower crane package for the project. A total of 21 tower cranes will be involved, operated by Wolffkran teams.
Helping that case is a host of digital tools, some of which are new to the Kingdom. RSG is rolling out building information modelling (BIM) and IoT-enabled monitoring and digital twins. As for sustainable tech, more than 760,000 solar panels are planned alongside what is claimed to be one of the world’s largest
The stadium is being built in advance of the 2034 FIFA World Cup, for which Saudi Arabia was declared the host nation, after being the only bidder.
Digital render of the planned new Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium in Saudi Arabia IMAGE: POPULOUS
battery storage facilities, which will serve Red Sea Project facilities.
Vision 2030 is also drawing in a wide spectrum of contractors, meaning specialty builders have ample programmes to bid on. Domestic firms remain at the forefront: Albawani worked several packages on the Six Senses Southern Dunes project, Nesma & Partners is joint contractor with FCC on the futuristic $1-billion Qiddiya stadium, and El Seif, in a joint venture with China State Construction Engineering, holds packages at Neom.
Global players
International players are becoming increasingly active, driven by the need to leverage new technology and handle the scope of the country's wide ambitions. Italybased Webuild has a $600 million package at Diriyah Square, US-based Bechtel is construction programme manager for World Expo 2030, and Aecom is project management consultant for The Avenues in Riyadh. The presence of these companies, and others, is a reversal from previous decades when construction was dominated by domestic giants.
With the international influence broadening, the wider construction supply chain is adjusting accordingly. Case Construction notes that Saudi Arabia is now its strongest Middle East market, with demand shifting sharply toward heavy machinery. The company estimates that large excavators, loaders and graders now account for roughly three-quarters of its sales in the Kingdom.
Fabrizio Cepollina, head of construction
The Amaala Yacht Club under construction as of September 2024 IMAGE: RED SEA GLOBAL
The Kaaba inside the Grand Mosque, surrounded by tower cranes, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia IMAGE: ADOBE STOCK
equipment EMEA at Case Construction Equipment, notes that, “Saudi Arabia especially is at a very high level. Some projects may slow slightly, but important infrastructure initiatives are coming through.”
A harsh reality
It’s not all sunshine in the Arabian desert though. One of Saudi Arabia’s most audacious projects, The Line, has already been reduced in size and is now under a feasibility review.
The proposed 170km mirrored city was unveiled in 2021 as one of the world’s boldest urban experiments: a car-free vertical city for nine million residents, run on artificial intelligence and renewable power, located in the desert of Tabuk Province.
Today, the scope looks far more modest. Delivery targets have been scaled back sharply, with the original nine-million resident target now reduced to 300,000 people within a 2.4km segment by 2030. Cost estimates for the full project were initially around $500 billion but have ballooned above $1 trillion for just the abbreviated version.
Neom spokespeople insist that reviews of this nature are routine for long-term initiatives, but the reassessment reflects wider concerns The Line may have been too grand at conception. Economic stressors, too, have exasperated the problem: brent crude currently trades below the levels needed to balance the Saudi budget, tightening the fiscal margins for giga-projects.
Outside analysts point to the risk of systemic overruns and The Line is not alone in facing scrutiny. Delays and redesigns across other giga-projects suggest a broader pattern of recalibration, such as the New Murabba 'cube' in Riyadh, which has been revised in scope. Labour standards are another concern. Rights groups have warned that the rapid pace of Saudi construction has come with a human cost. Human Rights Watch claims that migrant workers on mega-sites have suffered “gruesome yet avoidable” deaths from falls, electrocution and other accidents, with fatalities often misclassified as “natural causes.” FairSquare, a labour-rights organisation, has cautioned that thousands more unexplained deaths could
occur unless worker protection is strengthened. Such realities underscore the gulf between ambition and delivery. Even with heavy financing, the world’s biggest construction pipeline, and political will, not every project will continue in its original form.
While Neom and the Red Sea Project builds are the showcase of Vision 2030, the Kingdom is also pushing ahead with core infrastructure programmes – airports, metros, utilities – that should keep the economy moving
The King Salman International Airport project covers an area of approximately 57km2 IMAGE: FOSTER + PARTNERS
EXPANSION BEGINS ON KING SALMAN AIRPORT
Construction is reported to have started on the expansion of King Salman International Airport, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. When complete, it will be one of the largest airports in the world.
The project is set to cover an area of approximately 57km², allowing for six runways and seven terminals.
Scheduled for completion by 2030, the airport is intended to have capacity for up to 100 million travellers each year.
Foster + Partners is working on the project that forms part of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan to transform the country.
The airport is designed to act as a global logistics hub and stimulate transport, trade and tourism.
even if the grandest of plans fall through. Behind the glossy resorts and megacities, Saudi Arabia’s construction engine is still turning over backbone projects like Riyadh Metro, transport upgrades, and housing.
In Riyadh, King Salman International Airport is planned across 57km² with six parallel runways and capacity for 120 million passengers by 2030, rising to 185 million by 2050. Bechtel is on the build to deliver three of the new terminals, and the scheme is framed as a “aerotropolis” linking logistics, passenger flows and commercial hubs.
Urban transport is scaling up too. The Riyadh Metro – a six-line, 176km system with 85 stations – is the largest public-transport project ever undertaken in Saudi Arabia. Its phased roll-out is intended to cut congestion.
Utilities and social infrastructure are absorbing masses of capital. Saudi Electricity Company is expanding transmission networks to match demand growth, while hospital and school construction packages are getting bundled into public-private partnership deals. These more conventional construction projects show that beneath the rhetoric of “the world’s largest pipeline,” Saudi Arabia is still pushing forward on the practical infrastructure needed to make its economy function.
Opportunity still abounds
Saudi Arabia’s construction sector today is a study in contrasts. On one side are the dreamscapes of Vision 2030 – desert megacities, surreal stadiums, and luxury island resorts –that stretch the imagination as much as they do budgets and technological capabilities.
On the other hand, the Kingdom is not overlooking conventional and necessary builds like airports, metros, housing and utilities.
Together, the vision and reality form a construction pipeline unmatched anywhere in the world; and perhaps unlike any we’ll see ever again. As Vision 2030 barrels toward its namesake deadline, the question is less whether Saudi Arabia can build but whether it can balance spectacle with delivery. Somewhere between the diamond and the rough lies the true shape of the Kingdom’s future. iC
Excavation and piling work progresses on The Line in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi non-oil economy is expected to grow solidly in 2025 and 2026; growth will be supported by increasing oil output, while low oil prices force spending adjustments. Saudi Arabia’s near-term oil production profile changed with the OPEC+ meeting on June 1, 2025. Oil output restrictions introduced in 2023 are now anticipated to be completely unwound by September 2025, which benefits the growth outlook.
The Saudi budget will need to adjust to a lower revenue outlook on a more permanent basis as public-sector spending will likely fall behind private-sector consumer spending.
Global oil prices are the main risk factor for Saudi Arabia’s external and fiscal balances. Given its sizable foreign assets, a steep decline in oil prices is unlikely to trigger a significant growth slowdown, unless the Kingdom decides to lower oil production.
The government will need to reassert a conservative fiscal approach given weaker oil revenue, postponing and lengthening ambitious schedules for megaprojects. Reprioritisation of capital spending is expected to continue into 2026. While the vast majority of projects connected with Vision 2030 will still be carried out, some are likely to be scaled back.
While we expect real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth to hit 5% in 2025 and 3.7% in 2026, our outlook for Saudi construction is more subdued at 3% and 3.2%, respectively,
Saudi Arabia is known for its glittering projects but, writes Scott Hazelton, the construction industry is set for more modest growth than its spectacular façade might suggest
reflecting the impact of lower oil revenues.
While monetary easing in late 2024 is still providing some stimulus in 2025, government capital expenditure will likely be dampened with multiplier effects that weaken privatesector and construction spending. Over the past three months, we have revised infrastructure construction spending growth in 2025 and 2026 to 3% and 3.2%, down from 3.8% and 4.1%, respectively, in our previous forecast.
Strong population growth
Residential construction spending is estimated to increase 2.8% in 2025 and accelerate to 3.1% in 2026. The Kingdom features some of the world’s strongest population growth which, combined with solid consumer spending, will drive new housing demand.
Non-residential construction remains in healthy territory, with diversification efforts by government boosting this segment. Expected rate cuts over the course of 2026 will be beneficial, but it takes 12 to 18 months for interest rate cuts to impact construction spending. We expect nonresidential construction spending to increase by 3.2% and
CONSTRUCTION OUTLOOK FOR COMMERCIAL TYPES
3.3% in 2025 and 2026, respectively. In both years, the expansion will be led by institutional construction.
Construction spending in Saudi Arabia will average a 3.3% compound annual growth rate between 2024 and 2029, with growth led by the infrastructure segment. In the longer run, growth may slow further to a 2.7% compound annual rate between 2029 and 2034, but this will represent stable growth at a high level of construction activity.
The severe economic downturn caused by Covid cratered oil demand and prices. Saudi Arabia reacted accordingly, slashing investments into oil-related infrastructure, which dominated its infrastructure spending. Given Saudi efforts in economic diversification combined with global efforts to reduce petroleum consumption, Saudi Arabia wisely limited oil infrastructure investment when oil demand, and prices, recovered. In real terms, energy related infrastructure fell from US$27.8 billion in 2020 to US$17.9 billion in 2021.
This diversification altered investment patterns to boost residential and non-residential structures. Thereofre, while forecast growth rates may seem subdued, they take off from high levels (other than for petroleum-based infrastructure). Also, current and projected oil prices, will not have the same downward impact on infrastructure as petroleum-related investment now comprises a smaller share.
Even with energy infrastructure growth below 4%, the water/sewer and transportation infrastructure needed for diversification is considerable. We expect water/sewer construction to average nearly 8% growth over the next five years and transportation infrastructure to average nearly 6.5% growth.
Megaproject construction
The slowing of megaproject construction may be a good thing. It offers strong but sustainable growth over a longer time period and should
Source: S&P Global Market Intelligence
CONSTRUCTION OUTLOOK FOR SEGMENT DETAIL
(COMPOUND ANNUAL GROWTH, REAL 2019 €)
help to slow supply chain and skilled labour availability issues.
Construction of institutional structures will be least impacted by slowing public sector growth as the young and growing population needs educational and health care services with both segments offering roughly 5% sustained growth through 2028. These structure types have seen the largest impact in the outlook due to lower oil prices, as we expect Vision 2030 projects to have a higher priority and better preserve funding. The integration of medical
facilities in some megaprojects suggests health care construction will outpace education.
Data centre construction is booming and other commercial construction activity offers potential. Hotels and restaurants are key elements as Saudi Arabia prioritises the tourism industry. In contrast to most of the world, retail trade also offers potential as the integration of shopping with residential and other activities within several megaproject offsets the trend toward e-commerce.
Cultural and religious projects blur the
S&P GLOBAL is an American publicly traded corporation headquartered in Manhattan, New York City. Its primary areas of business are financial information and analytics. It is dedicated to sharing essential economic intelligence with those working in and affected by global markets. Its experts provide a 360-degree perspective across countries, risks, industries, and commodities.
line between commercial and institutional. The expansion of the Mecca, plus additional museums, are critical to government plans.
The best positioned industries comprise the manufacture of communications equipment and electrical/electronic equipment, given the rapid development of data centres, AI and other technologies. The Saudi Public Investment Fund has also highlighted automotive, defense and pharmaceutical industries to be supported by not only domestic investment but also foreign partnerships. iC
TOWARDS A BETTER MACHINERY WORLD
C
Construction sales are cyclical, with steady growth expected from 2026 until the early 2030s
IMAGE: ADOBE STOCK
Global construction equipment sales should start to come back from the bottom of the cycle next year, according to Off-Highway Research, but there is uncertainty around the forecast
The most recent peak in global construction equipment sales was in 2021, when the market hit a record high of 1.36 million units sold, according to specialist market researcher and forecaster, Off-Highway Research. This was a result of low interest rates and government stimulus around the world in reaction to the Covid pandemic.
That growth continued unabated throughout 2022 in all major markets except China, where sales started to plummet due to the end of the stimulus spending programme and the
emergence of enormous bad debts in the real estate market. Overall global construction equipment sales fell 5% in 2022, but the drop was entirely due to China. Global sales, excluding China, were up 7% in 2022.
More sustainable levels
Markets outside China started to cool in 2023, and ever since have been adjusting back down to more sustainable levels. The most specific brake has been rising interest rates around the world – a necessary tactic to curb runaway inflation – which has slowed down residential
building. Despite that, inflation has had a direct impact on the market, with project costs rising while, at the same time, the cost of the equipment itself has also increased sharply.
After a steep global fall in 2023, last year saw the decline in global equipment sales decelerate, with only a 2% drop. In a reversal of the previous year, the developed markets of Europe, Japan and North America all fell (Europe landing particularly hard and painfully), while emerging equipment markets all generally improved.
Most markets will be flat to down this year,
Off-Highway Research is a market research and forecasting business specialising in analysis of the global construction and agricultural equipment markets. It is the largest consultancy of its kind in the world, with offices in Chile, China, Germany, Japan, India, the UK and the US. For more information, visit www.offhighwayresearch.com
but the overall impact is forecast to only be a further 2% decline in global sales.
China to see (some) growth
On the positive side, China will see growth in 2025 – but that is not to say the market is healthy. Far from it. The real estate segment is still very distressed and local governments are deep in debt. There is no obvious way for the Provinces to repair their finances and start funding projects again, because the previous strategy was always to sell land to real estate developers.
The 12% sales growth expected in China this year will come mostly from sales of electric
The situation in Europe was made worse toward the end of the year by unprecedented political instability in the region
equipment, as did the majority of the growth last year.
China is the only market in the world where electric construction equipment has genuinely taken hold, particularly in wheeled loaders, where sales of electric machines are poised to overtake diesels in the next year or two. Scrappage schemes to take older and more polluting diesel machines out of the active fleet and subsidies around electrification have been helpful, as has the ferocious competition
GLOBAL SALES OF CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT
between China’s leading OEMs, which has driven down prices.
The Chinese market should continue to grow for the rest of the decade. However, without a major change in the factors which drive the market, it will be a long road back to a truly healthy market. At the moment, back to ‘normal’ looks at least five years away.
Europe suffering from instability
High interest rates and high construction costs have depressed house building across the region for the last two to three years, and the relative buoyancy in the infrastructure segment has not been enough to offset the sharp correction this caused in the construction equipment market in 2024.
The situation in Europe was made worse toward the end of the year by unprecedented political instability in the region, with the collapse of governments in Austria, France and Germany in the space of three months.
Unsurprisingly, the uncertainty these events caused led to these three countries seeing the steepest percentage declines in the region for their construction equipment markets. The continuing political turmoil in France means it will be the worst performing market in Europe this year too.
‘Less worse’ last year were markets in Southern and Eastern Europe, which suffered more limited declines. However, the downturn was widespread, with only Ireland seeing an increase in equipment sales last year.
Despite improvements in a number of key
The decline in construction equipment sales in North America is likely to be made worse by the Trump Administration’s inflationary and anti-trade tariffs policy
IMAGE: ADOBE STOCK
countries this year, including Germany and the UK, equipment sales in Europe are expected to slide a further 2% in 2025. France will be the biggest negative factor, but demand in Benelux and the Nordic regions is also weak. The recent collapse of the Dutch government may worsen that outlook.
On the positive side, Southern Europe remains generally strong and on a growth trajectory.
North America uncertainty
The 5% decline in North American equipment sales last year was more limited than it might have been. Housebuilding remained strong, and even rose slightly, despite high interest rates, and was particularly helpful in sustaining compact equipment sales. Meanwhile, the infrastructure segment remained strong, and the non-residential building segment has been helped by several large micro chip factory and data centre projects.
The cyclical decline is expected to continue this year and will be made much worse by the Trump Administration’s inflationary and anti-trade tariffs policy. If enacted, August’s Section 232 tariffs on
GLOBAL SALES OF CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT BY TYPE, 2024 (UNITS)
■ Crawler excavators (diesel)
■ Mini excavators (diesel)
■ Wheeled loaders > 80 HP (diesel)
■ Compact tracked loaders (diesel)
■ Backhoe loaders
■ Telescopic handlers (diesel)
■ Skid-steer loaders
■ Wheeled loaders < 80 HP (diesel)
■ Crawler dozers
■ Wide bodied trucks (diesel)
■ Wheeled excavators (diesel)
■ Others
steel-derived products will be crippling. The high steel content of construction equipment means that imported machines (about 20% of the market) will be almost 50% more expensive. Meanwhile, machines from USbased manufacturers largely using components sourced in the US could see cost increases of about 20% due to the components they import from abroad and the foreign content in the parts they source within their borders.
The lack of clarity on tariffs and the ongoing shifts in policy breeds uncertainty in the market and an erosion of confidence. This will lead to investments being delayed and Off-Highway Research believes the North American market will fall 11% this year as a result. This would be the biggest decline for any major market in 2025.
Next year could be better – the fundamental drivers, such as the need for housing and the data centre boom (accompanied by enormous power requirements) should all be good for the industry. Continued inflation from tariffs (which might force interest rate increases), a presence in the region of a large fleet of young machines from the boom of the early 2020s, on-going uncertainty and chaotic policymaking could derail this.
India is a growing market
Construction equipment sales grew 10% to a new record high last year. The general election did not prove as disruptive to the industry as it usually is and new emissions regulations for road-mobile construction equipment – which came into force at the start of 2025 – meant there was a significant sales surge in the final months of the year. This so called ‘pre buying’ is common when legislative changes will add to the cost of equipment.
That seems to have effectively moved sales from 2025 into 2024, and a 9% decline is expected this year as a result. In addition, there are concerns that the pace of roadbuilding activity could slow due to a reduction in the number of tenders being put out by the government.
However, these are small disruptions in the bigger picture of the Indian equipment market, which continues to exhibit strong long-term growth, and which is now comfortably the third largest territory in the world in volume terms after the US and China.
Japan market fluctuations
After an unusually sharp increase (for Japan) of 7% in 2023, the market suffered an equally steep fall in 2024, with a decline in sales of 9%. At just under 63,000 units last year, the market is a little below what
would be considered its natural level of around 65,000 machines per year.
Although volumes were low in 2024, the expectation is that the market will remain at this somewhat depressed level for the next one to three years. This is partly because the high sales volumes of the pandemic years mean there is a relatively large fleet of young machines available in the Japanese fleet, and partly because there is a sense of uncertainty due to the unpredictable policymaking of President Trump and what this might mean for the global economy.
South American inflation
The inflationary environment of 2023 saw the South American construction equipment market turn down steeply after the unprecedented peak of 2022. There was a modest 1% rebound in volume terms last year, which was driven by mining, oil and gas.
The market is expected to now enter a shallow cyclical decline for most of the rest of the decade, with fleets having been refreshed by the sharp spike in sales in the early 2020s.
However, equipment associated with mining should still perform well thanks to a reasonably buoyant outlook for various commodities. Ther nature of mining is that it tends to focus on lower volume/higher cost types of equipment, so while the forecast is for a decline in volume terms, the overall value and general health of the South American equipment segment should remain reasonable.
Rest of the world
Like South America, the other equipment markets around the world are predominantly emerging economies with some sort of extraction industry at the heart of their wealth creation. High commodity prices meant this disparate group of countries achieved a 5% increase in sales last year. This followed on from the dip that was seen in 2023 when high interest rates and high inflation derailed growth.
The global outlook for commodity prices for the next few years is that they will remain at reasonably high levels, and Off-Highway Research believes these will be strong enough to drive modest growth in equipment sales.
Looking to the future
Off-Highway Research’s forecast is for steady growth in construction equipment sales both globally and in the individual regions from 2026 onwards. This should lead the markets to a cyclical peak in the early 2030s which, in volume terms, should eclipse the stimulusdriven high of 2021.
This is a point worth remembering at times like these. Construction equipment sales always grow over time. The world’s population is growing, which demands infrastructure and housing, and the construction industry that has to deliver this is becoming increasingly mechanised. Evening out the ups and downs of the cycle, this equates to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 2%. iC
GLOBAL SALES OF CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT BY TYPE, 2023 (US$ MILLION)
■ Crawler excavators (diesel)
■ Wheeled loaders > 80 HP (diesel)
■ Mini excavators (diesel)
■ Compact tracked loaders (diesel)
■ Telescopic handlers (diesel)
■ Crawler dozers
■ Backhoe loaders
■ Rigid dump trucks
■ Motor graders
■ Articulated dump trucks
■ Wide bodied trucks (diesel)
■ Others
The Chinese construction equipment market should continue to grow for the rest of the decade, but at a more moderate pace than has been the case in previous years IMAGE: ADOBE STOCK
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Even though mining and quarrying equipment sales are down globally, the segment is showing more resilience than construction. Mitchell Keller reports that success with autonomy, sustainability and efficiency have been keeping the segment on solid ground
The mining-and-quarrying equipment segment is navigating a period of uneven performance. Markets are being pulled in different directions by regional slowdowns, rising tariffs on materials, but a continuing demand for energy and infrastructure is keeping long-term pipelines alive.
As the world’s largest equipment manufacturer, Caterpillar offers one of the clearest indicators of these trends. The USbased OEM’s Resource Industries division – covering mining and quarrying machinery – reported an 8% fall in North American sales and a 10% dip in Asia Pacific in the second quarter of 2025. Segment profit dropped 25% as tariffs and higher manufacturing costs ate into margins, the company says.
But compared with Caterpillar’s Construction Industries arm, where sales fell 15–20% in the Americas, it is clear mining has been more resilient. Demand even rose by 13% for
mining-and-quarrying in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, showing the speciality market is doing markedly better than the general construction segment.
The mixed picture highlights a sector caught between global cost pressures and uneven regional demand, even as underlying mineral and energy needs continue to grow.
That tension is pushing the sector to look to technology for answers. From new partnerships on autonomy, the growth in hybrid trucks to global collaborations on zero-carbon mining, the industry is banking on innovation to cut emissions and increase efficiency.
Automation station
Autonomy has moved from the fringes of experimental mining and
Two machines operate on a coal mine IMAGE: ADOBE STOCK
XCMG has released what it says is the industry’s first ‘Joint Declaration on Global Zero-Carbon Smart Mining
into the mainstream. For years the technology was confined to vast iron ore or coal operations, but mining/quarrying is quickly becoming the ‘station’ where automation stops next; smaller, more variable sites that stand to gain from consistent cycle times, lower costs and improved safety.
This shift has turned the segment into a proving ground for OEMs competing to scale self-driving haulage from mines to quarries and everywhere in-between.
Japan-based Komatsu, a leader in the mining/ quarrying segment, shares with International Construction (ICON) that it is expanding its Smart Quarry platform through a new partnership with US-based autonomy firm Pronto. The two companies have launched a platform called Smart Quarry Autonomous, a retrofit or factory-equipped system designed for quarry-sized haul trucks in the North American market.
The system links Pronto’s AIdriven perception suite to Komatsu’s fleet management and analytics tools.
Quarry operators can deploy the technology on existing Komatsu
bringing that expertise to quarries of all sizes. It’s a solution that helps drive productivity beyond what was previously possible and can support efforts to enhance safety.”
Pronto CEO Anthony Levandowski notes, “Previously, the most advanced autonomy was reserved for the largest mines. By combining Komatsu’s trusted hardware and vast support network with Pronto’s scalable, intelligent autonomous platform, we are fundamentally changing the game.”
US-based Caterpillar has also marked a major quarry autonomy milestone. At Luck Stone’s Bull Run Quarry in Chantilly, Virginia, US, the company’s Cat 777 autonomous haul trucks have now moved more than one million tons of material. Caterpillar says the achievement was a first for both the company and the aggregates industry.
trucks or purchase new vehicles equipped with Pronto’s self-driving system, enabling roundthe-clock operation with minimal human intervention. Komatsu says the integration is designed to promote consistent cycle times, improve fuel efficiency, and provide operators with real-time performance insights.
Jason Anetsberger, Komatsu’s senior director for customer solutions, explains, “We have decades of experience with autonomous haulage in large-scale mining, [but] now we’re
Denise Johnson, group president of Resource Industries at Caterpillar, notes the feat, “shows that autonomy isn’t just for mining – it’s scalable, reliable, and ready to transform the aggregates industry.”
Different tech approach
In Asia, one manufacturer is touting a different approaching to mining/quarry autonomy.
“It’s different from Caterpillar and Komatsu,” says Yang Zhiqiang, deputy general manager of China-based Tonly Heavy Industries, a maker of dump trucks and other mining equipment. He tells ICON that autonomy was one of the company’s most important growth areas, with more than 1,200 autonomous trucks already in use in China.
But unlike some competitors, Yang says the company focus is moving beyond the vehicle
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Epiroc has secured the largest equipment contract in its history, a SEK 2.2 billion (US$224 million) order to supply autonomous and electric surface drills to Fortescue’s iron ore operations in Western Australia.
The fleet will include cable-electric Pit Viper 271 E rotary blasthole rigs and battery-electric SmartROC D65 BE drills. Once deployed, the machines are expected to cut around 35 million litres of diesel use annually and reduce emissions by more than 90,000 tonnes of CO₂.
The equipment will be overseen from Fortescue’s Integrated Operations Centre in Perth, 1,500km from the mines, as part of the company’s plan to replace 800 pieces of heavy mining equipment with zero-emission alternatives by 2030.
Epiroc CEO, Helena Hedblom, says the deal was not only a milestone order but also, “a major step forward for our electric-powered surface equipment.”
An SmartROC D65 BE IMAGE: EPIROC
A Caterpillar ADT takes in material
IMAGE: XCMG
IMAGE: CATERPILLAR
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KOMATSU POWERAGNOSTIC TRUCK TRIALS
Komatsu and Boliden have launched field trials of the first truck in Komatsu’s new Power Agnostic series at the Aitik copper mine in Gallivare, Sweden.
The Power Agnostic 930E, a diesel trolley haul truck, is being tested over a 12-month period. The model is built on a modular platform that allows customers to start with diesel power and later convert to battery-electric or hydrogen fuel cell systems.
The power-agnostic approach is aimed at helping mines reduce fuel use and emissions in the short term while preparing for a longer-term shift to zero-emission haulage. Integrating trolley assist technology provides performance gains by cutting diesel demand on uphill hauls, extending component life, and paving the way for fully electrified mine fleets.
and onto the supporting software and system.
“We keep concentrating on the software, on the platform, on the system,” Yang says, adding that Chinese autonomous solutions were proving to be “more efficient and lower cost,” which he believes will give the company an advantage across global markets.
He notes this could be especially valuable in markets where driver costs are high and operators are looking to reduce expenses.
Tonly’s TIMS fleet management platform, now in its fourth generation, supports nearly 20,000 vehicles online and allows operators to monitor real-time fuel consumption, location and machine status, showing the OEM is on its way to reaching a worldwide customer base.
Taken together, these developments show how mining and quarrying have become the proving ground for the next wave of autonomy. The race is no longer about if autonomy works – but about how widely it can be deployed.
Sustainability compliance
While autonomy is reshaping productivity, an equally pressing challenge is environmental. A mine or quarry’s ability to operate increasingly depends on how well it cuts emissions, manages water, and proves long-term responsibility.
These expectations vary by region, but
the bottom line is often the same: access to permits, investor support, and community backing is often tied directly to measurable ESG performance.
Karen Thompson, president of Haver & Boecker Niagara’s North American and Australian operations, tells ICON that the industry is at “a pivotal crossroads” as demand for materials rises alongside pressure to reduce environmental impacts. ESG expectations, tighter regulations on emissions and water use, and investor scrutiny mean sustainability is no longer a buzzword but “a business imperative.”
Thompson argues that sustainability and profitability can align. Forward-thinking mines are extending equipment life, optimising processes, adopting proactive maintenance,
Komatsu’s new Power Agnostic 930E truck IMAGE: KOMATSU
A Tonly mining truck IMAGE: TONLY
and selecting the right partners; all strategies that can cut costs as well as emissions.
One of the most immediate steps, she said, is retrofitting. Outdated machines such as vibrating screens can be rebuilt with energy-efficient motors, modular decks and high-performance screen panels rather than scrapped and replaced. “Machines that are decades old, up to 80 years in some cases, have been successfully refurbished and returned to service,” Thompson explains. This reduces both capital costs and the environmental impact associated with new manufacturing.
Partnerships, she adds, are central: “Sustainability is not a solo endeavour.”
Electrric avenue
Electrification is another front where OEMs are driving change. At Tonly, electric and hybrid trucks have become central to growth, with deputy general manager Yang Zhiqiang revealing that more than half of the company’s sales now come from alternative power. “At present, for the new energy product, the market share is more than 50% of our sales value and, in China, we are number one,” he says. By contrast, he estimates that most competitors are in the 20–25% range.
“The international market for hybrid trucks has increased very fast,” Yang tells ICON. While upfront costs remain high – “around two times more than the traditional diesel trucks” – he argues that total ownership costs are significantly lower thanks to fuel savings.
“Today’s battery cost is only half or one third of what it cost ten years ago,” he adds, noting that the company is investing heavily to bring these products to overseas markets.
XCMG, also a machine-maker based in China, is positioning itself at the centre of this shift. At its Global Mining Summit the company released what it described as the industry’s first Joint Declaration on Global Zero-Carbon Smart Mining, endorsed by 107 companies from 26 countries. The agreement set out cooperation across 12 areas, from
electrification and automation to unmanned operations.
XCMG chairman Yang Dongsheng says the company is addressing four core challenges –energy infrastructure, new-energy equipment portfolios, smart mining management and financial support – through an integrated mix of equipment sets, control systems and services.
The uptime equation
With rising material prices, limited access to skilled labour, and higher sustainability expectations, efficiency has become the mining industry’s most valuable currency. Every hour of downtime avoided, or litre of fuel saved, flows straight to the bottom line, and mine/ quarry operators are leaning on digital tools,
HITACHI CE
predictive maintenance, and smarter design to capture those gains.
Haver & Boecker Niagara’s Thompson says that digital tools and smart diagnostics are becoming central to efficiency gains in the segment. She points to plant simulation software as a powerful way for operations to model entire processing flows and test scenarios virtually before committing to potentially costly changes; engineers can adjust screen sizes, conveyor layouts, or feed rates in a digital environment to identify bottlenecks, reduce downtime and improve throughput. The result is lower energy and water consumption. She also highlights the role of predictive maintenance, using wireless condition monitoring sensors and advanced vibration
PARTNERS WITH UNIVERSITY TO STUDY MINING EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE
A Netherlands-based subsidiary of Hitachi Construction Machinery (Hitachi) and Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) has launched a research project aimed at improving predictive maintenance for large-scale mining equipment.
The two-year study focuses on identifying and predicting the remaining life of critical components on dump trucks and other large mining machines. The goal is to help engineers schedule maintenance before failures occur.
a
Hitachi’s digital solutions team is providing detailed condition monitoring data from machines operating in remote and harsh environments. Sensors installed on key components record parameters such as temperature and pressure, enabling TU Delft researchers to model degradation trends in systems including pumps, cylinders and brakes.
“Our mining machines have sensors installed on key components, allowing us to gather detailed information on indicators like temperatures and pressures,” says Daan van Berkel, manager of mining projects and sustainable mining at Hitachi. “We will be able to plan when a truck needs to come into the workshop with more precision and order any parts that may be required ahead of time.”
Komatsu machines at a mine/quarry site. The company recently expanded its Smart Quarry program IMAGE: KOMATSU
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analysis, which allows sites to catch faults such as bearing damage, lubrication failures or structural cracks before they cause a breakdown. By storing and analysing data in online dashboards, operators can track machine health over time and intervene early, often with remote guidance from engineers.
US-based power-solutions manufacturer and provider Cummins has taken this a step further with its PrevenTech platform, which combines remote monitoring, advanced analytics and round-the-clock support.
In 2024, across two mine sites with 340 PrevenTech-equipped engines, the system was
credited with preventing more than 45 hours of downtime and saving about $70,000 in maintenance and repair costs per engine; about $24 million in annual operational savings.
Scott Pollock, senior product manager at Rokbak, tells ICON that uptime remains the key measure of efficiency for articulated haulers. He said today’s customers expect clear cost-perhour data on operation, fuel, and maintenance, making serviceability and reliability as important as machine performance itself.
Pollock described the company’s design approach as “Product, People and Parts”: ensuring trucks are straightforward to repair,
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maintenance intervals are extended, parts are readily available, and trained technicians are close to site. He added that operator training was also central to maximising efficiency, with machines only delivering their full value when customers know how to use both their hardware and onboard tools effectively.
Mining innovation
The global mining and quarrying equipment market is not immune to slowing sales, tariffs and uneven demand. But what stands out from the sector’s recent trajectory is how resilience is being built: through technology.
Autonomy is no longer experimental, but operational. Sustainability is no longer aspirational, but tied to licences, financing and market access. And efficiency is no longer about horsepower alone, but about system intelligence and uptime.
The lesson is clear: success now depends on proving that mines can be safer, cleaner and more productive at the same time. The companies leading on autonomy, electrification, and predictive maintenance are not just keeping machines moving, they are safeguarding their bottom line and ensuring the sector’s ability to operate in a tougher global economic climate. iC
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Uptime remains the key measure of efficiency for articulated haulers IMAGE: ROKBAK
Dana
Wuesthoff reveals to Andy Brown the highlights of
ConExpo 2026 and how planning for 2029 is well underway
ConExpo show director, Dana Wuesthoff, laughs knowingly at the suggestion that she will be able to wait until ConExpo/ ConAgg 2026 is finished before planning starts on the next iteration of North America’s largest construction show in 2029.
“We’ve been working on that for over a year already. We’ve been discussing things. Not all elements of it, of course, but some of those more strategic things, yes, we’ve been doing that for well over a year already.”
It is a testament to the behemoth event that, even though registration has only recently opened for the show, scheduled for Las Vegas, US, March 3-7, 2026, planning is already well underway for 2029. While Wuesthoff may already have half an eye on 2029, the 2026 show is looming into view and is shaping up to be just as big as its last iteration – if not bigger.
“We are expecting 2026 to be similar to the performance of the 2023 show. We’re anticipating over 2,000 exhibiting companies, 139,000 visitors to the show. Probably similar or maybe even a slightly larger footprint of around 3 million square feet of exhibits,” she says in a video interview.
Equipment Manufacturers), the organisers of the show, is to ensure it helps to raise the profile of the construction industry.
In line with this ambition, something that will be new to ConExpo in 2026 is the ‘groundbreakers’ stage where speakers will address the biggest topics of the industry.
Wuesthoff reels off some of these big topics that will be addressed: “Overcoming labour shortages, sustainability strategies, environmentally conscious practices and mental health within the industry,” she says.
Wuesthoff becomes a bit more light-lipped when asked about exactly who the speakers will be, but the sense is that it will be a mix of OEM leaders and some speakers from outside construction who can share insights on addressing similar industry challenges. There will also be a specific focus on women within the construction industry, small business owners and mental health.
ConExpo is North America’s largest construction event IMAGES COURTESY OF AEM
Wuesthoff reveals that one of the strategic priorities of the AEM (the Association of
Dana Wuesthoff, ConExpo show director
Face-to-face shows
For many in the industry, Conexpo 2020 is associated in their memories with the Covid pandemic. The event took place with the spectre of the virus looming larger on each passing day, with many exhibitors and attendees leaving the event early for fears of travel restrictions being put in place. Just a few weeks after the show ended, most of the world locked down.
Wuesthoff mentions the pandemic when talking about the enduring popularity of attending physical rather than digital events.
“I feel like no one wants to continue to talk about Covid, but I do think that we learned some really important lessons from that because we had this inability to meet with one another, not just at trade shows, but in all aspects of our
One of my favourite things is simply to hang out in the registration area on opening morning or by the gates as people come in – they’re so excited to be there
life. I think that what we’ve learned from that is humans as a species need to meet. We want to physically gather together,” she says.
“From a business and trade show perspective, it has been proven repeatedly that people want to come together. They want to see and experience the products and meet the people behind the products, the experts that make them. They want to connect with them in ways that it is impossible to replace with digital.”
What is also true is that in an industry like construction – where the purchase price of equipment is substantial – people see value in seeing what they are buying for themselves, as well as having face-to-face meetings.
ConExpo countdown is on
Time has a strange way of accelerating sometimes – before you know it March will be here, and the world of construction will once more be descending on a Las Vegas that seems to get more expensive with every passing year.
Wuesthoff takes a deep breath and smiles at the thought of the show taking place. “Unless you work in this industry, I can’t describe the excitement that’s palpably in the air on opening morning. It’s like when you get to go to your favourite rock concert – that is the energy that’s in the air. This is my favourite event that we do, and I love feeding off that energy.
“One of my favourite things is simply to hang out in the registration area on opening morning or by the gates as people come in –they’re so excited to be there. I mean, wildly excited, giant smiles. They’re high-fiving me for no reason. They’re just excited to be here and see everything and hang out with their peers.”
There are clearly plans for the show to evolve – Wuesthoff mentions more than once the goal of amplifying the industry’s voice and partnering with individuals and organisations outside of construction who have genuine insights to share. However, she is also clear that they must not lose sight of the core of ConExpo.
“The heart of why people are coming to the show, we can’t lose sight of that. They’re obviously coming to connect with the brands that are building the equipment and the products and technologies that they use.
“But that also helps them get ready for what’s coming next, because they have to be thinking about and be prepared for what’s coming in the future. I think that there’s more that we could do with that, and I would love to continue to see us build on that.”
Looking at the equipment and technology of today while keeping one eye on the future is a sound business strategy. With one eye already on the 2029 show, it is clear that Wuesthoff is practicing what she preaches. iC
During the renovation of the Engelberg Tunnel in Leonberg, Germany, the robot-assisted high-precision drilling technology guaranteed a fast, safe, and precise preparation of anchorage points
Construction sites present some of the toughest environments for automation, but could the spectre of Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered robots taking jobs from humans be on the horizon?
Yes and no, according to a new report from management consulting firm McKinsey. Uneven terrain, variable weather, unpredictable workflows and diverse materials make construction sites harder to navigate than the controlled conditions of warehouses or factories.
However, according to McKinsey’s report, Will embodied AI create robotic coworkers?, advances in “general-purpose” machines powered by embodied AI and capable of adapting to different tasks are starting to open up new possibilities even in the construction sector.
The research highlights where these robots are best placed to add value on site today and where limitations still apply.
In construction, the strongest potential lies in “pick and place” activities. These include:
■ Picking and placing light or small objects (where McKinsey rates AI-powered robots as having a high capability within construction)
■ Picking and placing heavy or large objects (high capability)
■ Picking and pouring small containers (high capability)
However, their capabilities drop sharply for more complex or dexterous site tasks:
■ Picking and pouring large containers (low capability)
■ Pointing and directing small tools (low capability)
■ Pointing and directing large instruments (low capability)
■ Pointing and directing non-rigid items such as cables or flexible materials (low capability)
The findings suggest that while robots could perform basic tasks on site, anything requiring fine tool control, interaction with flexible materials (such as cables or fabric), or complex assembly is still likely to be beyond them. Robots – even those equipped with AI – still appear to have limitations in robotic dexterity and tactile sensing, which is potentially good news for human workers fearful for their jobs. McKinsey notes that even the most advanced humanoid hands offer fewer degrees of freedom than human hands, making delicate or irregular tasks difficult.
Other constraints
The constraints aren’t just mechanical either. As with battery-electric machines, power supply is another bottleneck. Humanoid robots typically operate for only two to four hours on a charge when performing dynamic tasks, McKinsey’s report said. Heavy lifting accelerates battery drain, while recharging and battery-swapping
Robots –even those equipped with AI –still appear to have limitations in dexterity and tactile sensing
Advances in general-purpose AI machines open new possibilities on site, but challenges in dexterity, power, cost, and workflow integration mean full adoption is still years away, reports Neil Gerrard
IMAGE: FISCHER
construction companies should begin exploring pilot projects now.
infrastructure is still immature. This limits the viability of deploying robots for a full construction shift without interruption.
Then there’s the issue of cost. Generalpurpose robots can range from US$15,000 to $250,000 per unit, with payback periods often exceeding two years in early trials. Maintenance is expensive and can involve long downtimes if repairs require shipping to specialist facilities. In an industry where margins are thin, the economics can be difficult.
Integration into the construction workflow also presents barriers. Many existing robots are assembled from bespoke parts, with no agreed industry standards. This creates supply chain risks and complicates system integration. For construction contractors, that means each deployment can feel like a bespoke project, rather than a plug-and-play solution.
Despite these challenges, McKinsey noted that the trend towards embodied AI also brings positives. Improvements in vision-languageaction foundation models (the ‘brains’ of modern robots) are allowing them to interpret visual cues, follow spoken instructions and learn from observation. This could enable more flexible deployments in environments designed for humans, such as building sites, without the need for major redesigns.
Varying adoption speeds
Industry sectors other than construction are likely to see faster adoption of AI-embodied robots. McKinsey says that warehouse logistics, light manufacturing, retail, agriculture and healthcare are better suited in the short term.
That’s because of more predictable settings and stronger short-term return on investment. Even so, the report argues that forward-looking
The speed of adoption also relies on more than just the technology available: economics, regulation and workforce readiness will shape the use of robots in construction as much as the engineering, the report notes. That means carefully targeted pilots, a focus on measurable returns, and a realistic view of what robots can and cannot do on site.
For companies considering their options, McKinsey advises:
■ Set a long-term automation vision: Identify where robotics could fit into the construction process.
■ Invest in data: Robots learn best from rich, physical-interaction data. Capturing and structuring site-specific data now could help train future systems.
■ Monitor enabling technologies: Track progress in battery density, tactile sensing, dexterity and regulatory frameworks rather than relying on marketing demos.
■ Prepare the workforce: Don’t wait for robots to arrive before upskilling the workforce. Start building the talent and culture needed to work alongside machines.
■ Build partnerships: Engage with robotics start-ups, join industry standards groups, and adapt infrastructure to be robot-ready.
While fully autonomous construction robots remain a distant prospect, the trajectory is clear: AI-powered machines are slowly –but steadily – encroaching on routine and repetitive tasks, freeing human workers to focus on decision-making, complex problem-solving, and supervision.
For forward-thinking contractors, now is the time to experiment with pilot deployments and to capture operational data. Those who approach automation strategically – balancing human expertise with robotic efficiency – will be best placed to reap the productivity gains and competitive advantages that embodied AI promises in the years ahead. iC
Schindler’s R.I.S.E is the world’s first self-climbing robot that is designed to manoeuvre itself along the building’s elevator shaft to install components
IMAGE COURTESY OF SCHINDLER
Robots are becoming more common in construction, but their widespread adoption is a long way off
IMAGE: ADOBE STOCK
Formwork and falsework solutions may once have been just a ‘necessary expense’ but, Mitchell Keller reports, innovation in the segment could help drive revenue for contractors amid rising material prices and labour shortages
Formwork and falsework systems are increasingly central to solving the industry’s toughest challenges: cost pressure, labour shortages, and rising project complexity. Whether building high-rises, raising dams, or shoring for builds in remote or water-adjacent regions, the world is expecting construction to do more with less; less money, that is.
Contractors are leaning into large value builds to offset rising material prices, like high-rise and infrastructure projects in markets like Western Canada and select US metros, as well as across Asia. And what’s necessary for these megaprojects and towering buildings?
Advanced formwork solutions are certainly near the top of the list.
Material and modular innovation
Pressed by builders to help offset fluctuating economic and labour environments, the modern formwork industry is rethinking weight, handling, and lifecycle with lightweight, modular, and reusable systems rapidly becoming the default, as opposed to an emerging technology.
“Our clients are increasingly seeking lighter systems that require less labour both for assembly and during construction,” Jimy Peñailillo, Director of Business Expansion
US at Spain-based Alsina, tells International Construction (ICON). “This growing demand has driven us to expand our research and development efforts; our R&D department has grown by 60% in recent years.”
That investment has yielded several new modular systems optimised for labour savings.
One example is on the Golden Glades Interchange project in Florida, US, where Alsina deployed its Self-Spanning System: a universal, self-supporting solution for beams and columns that adapts to varied geometries.
“Its versatility allows it to adapt to different geometries, a crucial advantage in this case, as several structures changed section. All could be built using the same panels,” Peñailillo says. Alsina says it reduced material shipments by about 30%, cutting transport and materials costs, which allowed crews to adjust on the fly when design changes occurred.
Austria-based Doka is
responding to labour and logistics constraints with DokaFit, a formwork line developed at its Asia Innovation Hub and launched in the Asia Pacific and Middle East markets in July. Unlike traditional handset systems that are often heavy and require cranes or extensive crew support, DokaFit panels are lightweight,
in Berlin, Germany, which is said to be a flagship for sustainable, resource-efficient construction
Peri UP Public Stair system installed at the Noordkade redevelopment site in Veghel, Netherlands IMAGE: PERI
Michael Kennedy, Doka EVP of the Americas
Doka is working on EDGE Friedrichspark
IMAGE: DOKA
Alsina’s Self-Spanning Formwork System deployed at the Golden Glades Interchange in Florida, US
modular, and designed for crane-free handling. The line currently includes the DokaFit Handset, a multipurpose panel system for walls, columns, and foundations, and the DokaFit Prop, an adjustable support with ergonomic fastenings for slab work.
Doka Executive Vice President of the Americas, Michael Kennedy, says the intuitive assembly process of Doka’s Fit line is “job-site ready” and reduces crew size and cycle times without sacrificing concrete finish quality. The system’s key value lies in its speed and reusability: panels can be locked and unlocked by hand, repositioned without a crane,
and reused across different site conditions. For contractors, this means less material to transport and lower labour costs.
Digital, smart, sustainable
Formwork processes have long been bulky, fragmented and labour-intensive to install and remove. Now, manufacturers are using digital tools and sustainable design to cut waste, speed cycles, and meet rising project demands.
At Bauma 2025, Doka introduced Doka 360, a unified digital platform that connects planning, ordering, logistics, site operations, and return workflows.
“What previously required multiple tools, manual coordination, or phone calls now happens in one central platform – with just a few clicks,” Kennedy says. Doka 360 has had an early-access run in the US since this summer ahead of a wider release next year.
Alsina has also pushed hard into digital, extending innovation beyond hardware into customer service, training, and lifecycle optimisation.
The company has rolled out MyAlsina, an AI-enhanced customer platform that helps manage the full workflow – from design and order through to site logistics – offering greater transparency and coordination.
“We are living in the digital era, and Alsina is firmly committed to adapting every area of the company to this new reality,” says Peñailillo.
“Several initiatives reflect this transformation: Metalearning (digital interactive training on formwork systems), MyAlsina (a platform that manages the entire customer process, enhanced by our AI), aCeler (automatic solution design), as well as the introduction of sensors in formwork to monitor pressure, temperature, and tracking.”
Metalearning allows workers to explore formwork systems virtually before stepping on site, reducing errors and improving safety. Engineering support is reinforced by aCeler, an automatic design engine that generates optimised formwork solutions tailored to each project’s parameters.
On the ground, Alsina is piloting sensors
Paschal formwork in use on a fish ladder construction project in southern Germany
IMAGE: ALSIN
IMAGE: PASCHAL
embedded in formwork to monitor pressure, temperature, and location data, feeding into a smart reuse tracking system across its rental fleet. This digital layer is also reshaping operations behind the scenes, as warehouse automation streamlines preparation and dispatch. Added with Alsina's rental model, the company is reducing the need for repeated production. “We reduce manufacturing by up to 70%,” says Peñailillo. “Our products are designed with key differences that allow them to be reused across countless construction sites.”
This keys in on another major theme in formwork products and projects: meeting environmental goals and ESG compliance, which are becoming core design drivers, especially in large-scale civil works.
In Alsace, France, German-based provider Paschal has supported the construction of a 1km fish ladder at the EDF hydropower plant near Marckolsheim, enabling salmon migration through the Upper Rhine. The multi-millioneuro civil works are part of a biodiversity initiative co-financed by France Relance and the EU’s Next Generation programme.
Paschal’s role includes forming round walls, supporting high single-sided formwork up to 8m and making complex adjustments to existing structures. The company had deployed its variable radius circular trapezoidal girder formwork, pre-rounded in the factory for immediate use on site, as well as LOGO.3 wall formwork to handle long and high walls without the need for costly on-site shuttering.
“The variable radius circular trapezoidal girder formwork was on site for all the circular walls, which had already been pre-rounded at the factory for the first forming cycle and was therefore ready for immediate use without the need for pre-assembly,” Paschal says.
Adept in complex conditions
Today’s formwork must not only be lighter
and smarter and more sustainable, but also adaptable to evolving site demands and extreme complexity.
German-based Peri Formwork has similarly applied its climbing technology to one of Austria’s tallest towers: the 180m DC Tower 2 in Vienna, Austria. The structure required more than 80 concrete pours and a five-day rhythm per storey. Peri’s RCS Max Rail Climbing System was also used on the building’s edges and corners, while Maximo panel formwork provided clean concrete finishes and reduced
A nighttime shot of the DC2 Tower in Vienna, Austria, during construction using Peri formwork solutions
the number of tie points.
Pre-assembled platforms with integrated safety systems were lifted with the climbing units and adapted to changing slab geometry. The contractor, Porr AG, called the Peri system a “huge support” and praised the time savings across core and wall segments.
SMART TUNNEL FORMWORK POWERS HYDRO MEGAPROJECT
Ulma’s MK Tunnel Formwork Carriage has been deployed on one of Latin America’s most ambitious energy infrastructure efforts: the 209 MW San Gabán III hydroelectric power plant in southern Peru.
The project – led by China International Water & Electric Corp (CWE) – includes the construction of a 92.4m long, 18.5m high air cushion surge chamber designed to stabilise hydraulic pressure inside a 9km tunnel. To form the chamber’s reinforced concrete shell, ULMA supplied a 60-ton MK Tunnel Formwork Carriage capable of casting 40cm thick concrete slabs in 6m segments.
Designed for challenging tunnel and gallery geometries, the MK system integrates working platforms, safety rails, inspection windows, and embedded vibrators. Its dual-phase slab construction, supported by 24 hydraulic vibrators and 16 jacks, enabled fast and repeatable cycles: each 48-hour section involved concrete pouring, early form stripping, lowering, repositioning, and reset all without full dismantling.
The carriage’s modular steel-panel design also helped deliver smooth concrete finishes under high pressure, while integrated access points ensured safety at height.
Aerial view of Peri’s formwork solutions on the DC2 Tower construction in Austria
IMAGES: PERI
Ulma’s MK Tunnel Formwork Carriage in operation on the San Gabán III Hydroelectric Project in Peru IMAGE: ULMA
Staying with Peri, and a unique build in the Cerro Armazones mountain in Chile, the world’s largest telescope – the aptly-named Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) – is under construction at 3,046m elevation. Backed by the European Southern Observatory (ESO), the ELT will feature a 39m main mirror made of 798 movable hexagonal segments, and is expected to go into operation in 2028.
Peri has supplied formwork and scaffolding for the foundation, central base, and wall structures of the telescope, including Trio panel formwork for heavy concrete walls and ST 100 stacking towers for cantilevered platform support. A flexible Multiflex slab system was used for the telescope’s circular base to handle challenging geometry. Peri also provided engineering and logistical support to minimise delays and meet demanding load and assembly requirements.
RMD Kwikform’s custom Rapidshor system also tackled formidable terrain on the Saggrenda Bridge in Norway – a 310m concrete arch project in Kongsberg. Working with Maxbo Teknikk, RMD designed a temporary works solution to handle narrow widths, posttensioning loads, and deep-valley topography. More than 1,200 tonnes of equipment were shipped in for the job, combining global sourcing with local execution to meet tight structural tolerances and programme demands.
The firm also played a huge role in the Kenilworth Bypass project in the UK; part of the HS2 build. The company supplied temporary works solutions to support and slide a 14,500-tonne precast box structure into place beneath a live carriageway. Using Rapidshor, Megashor, and Superslim systems, RMD helped ensure safe load distribution and fast execution within tight clearance parameters. The road reopened 30 hours ahead of schedule.
Regional demand
As demand grows globally, manufacturers are tailoring their strategies to fit local needs.
“Asia is one of the biggest and fastest-growing regions,” says Pat Gorham, executive vice president of Doka Asia Pacific. “Especially in places such as India, with its tremendous growth… we have been involved in major projects.”
AWARD-WINNING INNOVATION: PERI’S VCT TRACK
German-based construction company Adam Hörnig Baugesellschaft (AHA) received the 2025 Bauma Innovation Award in the “Building” category for its use of Peri’s VCT Variokit Composite Track; a travelling formwork system that enables the construction of steel composite bridge decks without penetrations through the slab.
The solution is in-use on the replacement of the Thulba Viaduct along Germany’s A7 motorway between Fulda and Würzburg.
By eliminating the need for conventional formwork supports from above, the system allows the carriageway slab to be cast almost jointless from below, improving load distribution and reducing crack formation. The method also shortens construction time, minimises traffic disruptions, and lowers CO₂ emissions associated with prolonged build phases.
He highlights four strategic building blocks for the region: regional scale, a rising middle class, early adoption
Reps from Adam Hörnig Baugesellschaft accept a Bauma Innovation Award at the Peri exhibition hall during this year’s Bauma expo in Munich, Germany
of tech (BIM and robotics), and product diversification via the Doka + MFE portfolio.
Kennedy, meanwhile, points to residential and data centre demand shaping North America.
While still depressed, a rebound in residential housing could increase demand for lightweight aluminium products; which could especially benefit larger outfits seeking to own rather than rent. “We’re seeing ideas migrate,” Kennedy tells ICON. “Lightweight aluminium systems that made sense in Asia are now proving relevant here in North America, especially as labour gets tighter and schedules get shorter.”
Alsina tells ICON it is seeing strong growth in Southeast Asia, Europe, North Africa, and the US, but had fewer specifics per continent. Instead, Peñailillo notes a little bit of everything can now be implemented on a case-by-case basis.
“Each market requires different types of formwork systems,” he reveals. “Alsina’s strength lies in its ability to adapt to the specific needs of each client, in every market.”
The message from industry leaders is clear: adaptability, digital integration, and sustainability are requirements.
As jobsite complexity rises and skilled labour tightens, formwork manufacturers are leaning into reuse, platform-based control, and integrated data flows. Whether through rental-driven lifecycle reduction, smart sensor feedback, or all-in-one planning platforms, the sector is converging around one goal: enabling faster, more efficient construction at every scale. With innovations heightening the value of circular models and digital training, the future of formwork is no longer just about supporting the build; it’s about supporting smarter, efficient construction across the industry. iC
IMAGE: PERI
An inside look at Peri’s Bauma 2025 booth
IMAGE: MITCHELL KELLER
Doka CEO Robert Hauser, Bauma 2025
IMAGE: MITCHELL KELLER
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There are signs of a recovery – albeit a fragile one – in the European construction market, according to new analysis tracking the sale of construction machinery in the region.
In its most recent market update, the Committee for European Construction Equipment (CECE), which represents European Construction Equipment manufacturers, said it expected Europe’s construction machinery market to bottom out this year.
Sebastian Popp, economic affairs manager at CECE said that although sales of equipment were down 1.1% in the first half of 2025, the stage is set for a modest rebound in the second half of the year.
“We are seeing this long-anticipated market recovery, but at the same time, it is certainly a very fragile one”, said Popp, “We have had the special situation in the second quarter of Bauma, our leading trade show. That always gives a temporary boost to sales…and at the same time, we do have uncertainties that we are facing, uncertainties that are only getting bigger.”
Growth, but from a low level
If the signs of a nascent recovery in Europe are positive, it is still important to remember that growth comes against a backdrop of persistent declines in sales since 2022. In 2023, the European market fell by 10% and in 2024 it dropped by another 19%.
And Popp noted that the early signs of a rebound are patchy. Sales in southern European nations have remained solid, while there are
European construction machinery sales are showing some signs of recovery, but President Trump's US tariffs threaten up to €2.8bn in exports, reports
Neil Gerrard
“signs of light” in the Nordics and Benelux countries. Germany, France and the UK, however, while still the top three markets, have fallen from a 55% share of European sales to 46%.
When it comes to machine categories, some are faring better than others: According to Popp, road machinery is seeing year-to-date growth of 10%, buoyed by investment in civil engineering and road infrastructure across Europe. Sales of light construction equipment like small compaction machines and concreting tools also appear relatively healthy, which Popp suggested is because they are less susceptible to the general economic climate.
Earthmoving and tower cranes
Tower cranes too have grown by 7% in the first half of 2025 but that is against a “disastrous” 2024 where sales fell by 46%, reflecting the ongoing contraction of the residential construction market and some areas of the commercial sector. Popp pointed out that tower crane sales may have returned to growth, but that does not mean a return to normality.
Meanwhile, he noted that sales of earthmoving machinery appear to be bottoming out and could see a small increase in Q3 and Q4 of 2025. The year is likely to end with sales on the same level as 2024.
But there are no indications of a recovery in concrete machinery, which has suffered a 23%
CECE predicts a fragile rebound in Europe, while North American tariffs cloud the outlook for manufacturers IMAGE: ADOBE STOCK
year-to-date decline in sales, again reflecting the ongoing weakness in the residential and commercial segments of the European construction market.
Business sentiment among European manufacturers is slowly improving and has returned to positive territory but may have been skewed by Bauma in April and isn’t moving particularly quickly.
That could help to explain why there was a slightly positive development of rental business during the first half of 2025, as construction companies opt to rent rather than buy machinery amid economic uncertainty and a weak investment climate.
Construction investment
Also speaking at the CECE online event, Dr Nicholas Fearnley, head of global construction at Oxford Economics, said the wider European economy would see growth driven by consumers rather than government spending.
“What’s actually happening over the next few years is it’s going to be consumers driving economic growth. This makes sense because inflation’s fallen back a bit, real wages are going up, so consumers are going to be increasing their spending,” he said.
But he added, “The investment component, however, is quite low. Construction and investment is not going to be driving the same level of economic growth as perhaps we’ve gotten used to in previous years.”
He said he expected Spain, Hungary, and Ukraine to be the main drivers of construction growth over the next few years. In Germany, a €500 billion (US$590 billion) infrastructure stimulus package is expected to support the construction industry. But the picture in France is less certain and Italy, which has seen several
years of strong growth driven by infrastructure projects, is expected to go into reverse.
Across Europe in general, Dr Fearnley said that growth this year is muted. Whereas residential building has been flat, commercial construction and civil engineering have seen growth. That growth will continue into 2026 and he said he expected residential building to pick up, with more interest rate cuts from the European Central Bank expected.
Meanwhile, he forecast that government spending would start to come under pressure: “Obviously a lot of the civil engineering work is publicly funded. This is proving to be a challenge in Europe as you’re very much aware. We are seeing governments becoming more aware of budget deficits, trying to repair budgets, keep debt under control and reduce deficit spending,” he said.
One consequence of this could be in an increase in public-private investment partnerships, as is happening in Japan.
“There is scope to still build a lot and deliver transportation and utility infrastructure, but working with the private sector to deliver this. This is something that Europe could certainly continue to pursue,” he added.
A challenging environment
CECE recently warned that expanded US tariffs are expected to impact €2.8 billion (US$3.3 billion) of annual EU construction equipment exports to the United States.
That was after the Trump administration extended existing tariffs on aluminium and steel to 400 additional customs codes, bringing construction and mining machinery into scope.
Under the new regime, 50% tariffs apply to the value of a machine’s steel content, alongside a 15% baseline tariff on the rest of the unit.
CONSTRUCTION EXPORTS
CONSTRUCTION SALES,
This means the effective rate will vary between 15% and close to 50%, depending on the composition.
Expanding on the situation, Popp said, “Some of our members are already saying that they see their entire US business threatened by these new and recent tariffs escalation.”
It is particularly bad news for European firms because they saw a huge boost to sales in North America in 2023 and 2024, driven by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act. It made the US by far the most important non-European export market for European manufacturers (more than a quarter of EU exports go to North America).
The first half of the year has seen a 34% decline in sales to North America, even before the full effect of tariffs has been felt. Popp said that a one-third decline in exports to the US across the full year may prove to be an optimistic scenario and even then, that would see exports fall to 2021 levels.
“So, it’s certainly very difficult times that we currently, frankly speaking, don’t have an answer to,” Popp said.
While signs of a recovery in Europe itself are likely to be warmly welcomed by EU manufacturers, growth in their home region is unlikely to compensate for the expected reduction in exports. iC
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What is it? La Tour F, a 412m tower
Where is it? Côte d’Ivoire
When will it be completed?
2026
Did you know? The building shell is currently being constructed at a rate of one floor every eight days
With a planned total height of 412m, La Tour F, a future government building in the heart of the administrative district Le Plateau in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, will be the tallest building in Africa.
The decision to raise the final height was made partly for symbolic reasons: After winning the 2024 African Football Championship in its own country, the government decided to set new architectural standards that would be visible from the national stadium.
The shell of the 74-storey building is based on a solid concrete structure up to the 300m mark. The levels above are being built using steel construction.
Responsibility for the execution of all concrete work – including production, delivery, conveying, placement and formwork – lies with the Belgian construction group BESIX.
Since the start of construction in 2022, mobile truck-mounted concrete pumps were initially used in the lower segments.
From a height of 40m, the stationary high-performance concrete pumping system from Schwing Stetter was installed, which is said to be specially designed for demanding
large-scale projects such as this.
At the heart of the system is the stationary SP 7500 D high-pressure pump, which is one of the most powerful in its class with a drive power of 310kW. Concrete is pumped via a DN 125 high-pressure steel pipe with a wall thickness of 8.8mm.
Special shut-off valves with a pressure rating of 250 bar are integrated to prevent backflow during downtimes – for example, before cleaning or during longer breaks.
Construction of what will be Africa's tallest building when completed is expected at some point in 2026. iC
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