Billy Norrell, Alabama AGC CEO

AGC of Alabama and AGC of America has received a number of media inquiries about the potential impacts of the coronavirus on the construction industry. In particular, reporters have been asking if supply chain problems, particularly with materials produced in China, are affecting construction projects. Since reporters are likely to contact you as well, if they haven’t already, we wanted to share how AGC’s chief economist, Ken Simonson, has been responding to those queries. 

Response from Ken Simonson:

First, we have not heard from any member firms that their projects have been impacted by the coronavirus, to date.  However, there may be delays in delivery of construction materials, equipment or parts from China, Italy and other countries where factories, trucking or ports have been shut down. A couple of U.S. distributors have reported actual or potential delays in imports of countertops, cabinets and other interior products. But the fact that the disruptions in China began right after the lunar new year’s holiday meant that many importers had stockpiled items and have not yet experienced shortages.

 That being said, if you hear of any members who have had projects affected by the coronavirus, please let us know.

In the meantime, AGC of Alabama and AGC of America has assembled a range of information from public health experts on the coronavirus as a resource for chapters and members. You can find the information here, and we urge you to share this with your members as you feel appropriate.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html