Value added of U.S. construction industry as a percentage of GDP 2000-2023

In 2023, the size of the construction industry relative to the gross domestic product of the United States was slightly higher than in the previous year. That means that the construction industry grew at a faster pace than the economy as a whole. The value added of that sector peaked in 2006 at five percent of the GDP. The amount of construction investment as a share of GDP is, however, another indicator that provides a somewhat different insight into the industry as it is calculated differently.

U.S. construction: a sizable market

The construction market in the United States is one of the largest in the world, with private spending still increasing on a year-to-year basis. Most of that money comes from the private construction market, which is also the segment that has traditionally been more volatile. The number of people employed in the industry has also increased in the past years. During the coming years, it is also expected that the volume of new construction put in place will also keep increasing.

Construction industry challenges

To maintain its competitive standing, the construction industry must overcome various barriers, including those within the industry and external complications like the state of the U.S. economy. For example, a shortage in skilled labor, particularly for specific trade jobs, can be a relevant challenge. In 2022, many home builders also reported shortages of building materials and appliances.