CDE plans webinar discussing 2026 market outlook

The construction materials industry is always evolving, and it is crucial for materials producers to stay abreast of the changes in this landscape. With the construction and aggregates sectors gearing up for the upcoming year, CDE is assembling industry experts to delve into market trends, regulatory challenges, and innovations that are shaping the future of materials in a webinar focused on the market outlook for 2026.

During the online event, participants will explore the economic outlook for construction and aggregates growth trends, interest rate trajectory, insolvency risks, emerging construction growth points in Western countries, and the impacts of new and pending legislation on producers and market competitiveness. The goal is to equip industry professionals with the necessary knowledge to navigate the year ahead effectively.

Scheduled speakers for the 2026 market outlook webinar include Aurelie Delannoy, director of economic affairs at Mineral Products Association (MPA), who will shed light on economic trends and policy impacts in the UK and EU markets. Pierre G. Villere, senior managing partner at Allen-Villere, will provide insights on the global construction outlook, key investment trends in the US market, and their broader implications. Experian’s economics senior economist, Lorenzo Rodriguez-Fernandez, will offer an analysis of financing conditions, insolvency risks, and sustainability-driven growth opportunities in the UK and EU markets.

Additionally, a roundtable discussion led by CDE’s director of transformation, Paschal Lynch, and market researcher Michael Nesbitt will address aspects such as the circular economy, PFAS, fines and contaminants in aggregates, and technologies that enhance efficiency and profitability in recycled materials. According to Nesbitt, the event aims to provide material producers with valuable insights into the global and local market trends expected over the next year and how these trends will impact the construction industry.

Looking ahead to 2026, Nesbitt notes that the global economy is expected to grow between 2.5% to 3.1%, with emerging markets leading the way and advanced economies expanding more gradually. Despite inflation gradually easing, regional differences will persist, and economies will continue to face risks such as trade tensions and financial vulnerabilities. Lynch adds that productivity in construction has been lagging behind the broader global economy, with short-term challenges including rising interest rates, supply chain issues, and slowing real estate activities in certain markets. However, there is long-term potential, and the webinar will delve into key trends that are expected to shape individual markets globally.

The Engineering Insights Webinar: 2026 Market Outlook is scheduled to take place on 10th December at 15:00 (16:00 CET/10:00 EST). For more details about the event and to register, visit the official website.