Uncertainty derails $2.5tn in global construction activity projected for 2025
Persistent uncertainty is set to wipe $2.5tn from the value of construction activity globally this year, disrupting delivery across markets. That’s according to new global research from Currie & Brown, a world-leading provider of cost management, project management and advisory services.
The report, entitled Building certainty in an era of relentless change surveys over 1,000 global decision-makers, each responsible for construction pipelines averaging $12.9bn. It reveals a disturbing picture of the damaging impact of uncertainty on construction projects, and the potential knock-on consequences for the wider economy.
On average, respondents reported a financial loss equivalent to 13.7% of their construction pipeline in the past year. That amounts to $2.1bn per organisation – enough to fund two major hospitals or build 40 high schools in an advanced economy. Applied to global construction spending, that loss equates to a total of $2.5tn – more than the GDP of Italy and almost twice the combined annual revenue of Apple, Amazon and Microsoft*.
The findings highlight the growing strain uncertainty is placing on construction delivery. Over the last year 32% of construction projects were descoped, 29% were delayed and 25% were cancelled. Just 1 in 5 (20%) construction leaders are completely confident that they can keep their projects within budget in the current climate.
The primary risk factors driving uncertainty are material cost inflation, energy price volatility, supply chain disruption and labour and skills shortages. And volatility shows no sign of easing. The research finds that 61% of leaders expect material cost inflation to worsen over the next 12–24 months, while 56% predict greater energy price instability.
Dr Alan Manuel, group chief executive officer, Currie & Brown comments: “The construction sector has always experienced its fair share of volatility. But this goes well beyond the usual cycle. In over 40 years in the industry, I’ve not seen such a persistently uncertain market.
“Part of the challenge lies in how we work. External factors such as rising costs, political shifts and weather events play a clear role. But systemic issues are just as critical. Outdated procurement, misaligned objectives and a culture that accepts billion-dollar projects without complete designs continue to embed risk. If we don’t control these challenges, the disruption will only grow, which we can’t allow because construction underpins economies and improves lives. This industry is too important to be allowed to fall behind.”
To help address these issues, Currie & Brown is launching the Construction Certainty Index. A first of its kind, the index tracks forward-looking confidence and the effect of risk on construction projects around the world.
The Construction certainty index helps organisations see where they stand and where to focus. While there’s no single fix, the report identifies four interconnected areas that must be addressed to build resilience:
Technology – adopt technology with purpose. Not just for the sake of it.
Data – prioritise quality, link it across programmes and interpret it through the lens of real-world experience.
People – plan skills needs early, use technology to improve productivity, and build long-term partnerships that help secure access to the right people at the right time.
Mindset – stay agile, adaptable and proactively manage risk.
The report also issues a clear call to action: the industry cannot fix this alone. Tackling systemic uncertainty will demand a concerted and collaborative effort from government, clients and delivery partners right across the world.