U.S. construction spending increased by 0.6% in March 2026, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau [1].
The modest rebound indicates a fragmented recovery in the building sector, where specific infrastructure needs are offsetting a broader slump in commercial projects.
Construction spending during March 2026 was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $2,185.5 billion [1]. This figure represents a slight increase over the February estimate of $2,173.2 billion [1].
Despite the overall rise, the nonresidential sector faced headwinds. Nonresidential construction spending fell for a second consecutive month in March [4]. This decline suggests a cooling in corporate and industrial building activity, a trend that contrasts with the general growth seen in the wider market [4].
Growth was not uniform across all segments. Data centers and power infrastructure were among the few areas that saw growth [4]. This selective expansion follows a period of pandemic-era growth and reflects a shift toward critical utility and tech-driven infrastructure [5].
"Construction spending rebounded in March, rising 0.6% from February," said US News Money editorial staff [2].
The U.S. Census Bureau said the March spending estimate of $2,185.5 billion was a seasonally adjusted annual rate [1].
“Construction spending during March 2026 was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $2,185.5 billion”
The divergence between overall spending growth and the decline in nonresidential construction suggests a structural shift in the U.S. economy. While general building activity is ticking upward, the concentration of growth in data centers and power infrastructure indicates that AI-driven tech needs and grid modernization are currently the primary engines of construction, while traditional commercial real estate continues to struggle.
