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Doubts Creep In at US Construction’s Big Show in Las Vegas

The industry’s first major trade event since 2020 felt like a celebration. But there was apprehension amid the high fives and backslapping.

Much like economists can’t agree whether the US is barreling toward a recession, the construction industry is split as to whether the good times will last.

Much like economists can’t agree whether the US is barreling toward a recession, the construction industry is split as to whether the good times will last.

Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg
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Hundreds of diggers, road pavers and other machines were on display in Las Vegas this week for the US construction industry's first big trade show since the pandemic. Exhibitors relegated to reluctant elbow bumps in 2020 could once again shake hands. Demand is strong and order backlogs are long. At times, walking around all 55 acres of ConExpo almost felt like a party.

But between the high fives and backslaps, some serious conversations were taking place. With a banking rout roiling financial markets, and continued doubts over the US economy, one question prevailed: Will the US sector get through 2023 unscathed?