{
  "query": "UK steel construction market trends 2026 NEC4 contract performance benchmarks",
  "claims": [
    {
      "claim": "The UK steel market is projected to reach a value of USD 43,625.70 million by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.09% starting in 2026.",
      "verbatim_quote": "The UK steel market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 3.09% from 2026-2034 to reach USD 43,625.70 Million by 2034.",
      "source_url": "https://www.imarcgroup.com/uk-steel-market",
      "relevance": "high"
    },
    {
      "claim": "Flat steel products held a 45.12% share of the UK market, largely supported by construction cladding and automotive applications.",
      "verbatim_quote": "Flat steel dominated the market with a 45.12% share, driven by extensive applications across automotive manufacturing, construction cladding, household appliances, and packaging industries.",
      "source_url": "https://www.imarcgroup.com/uk-steel-market",
      "relevance": "high"
    },
    {
      "claim": "The UK construction sector is expected to return to growth in 2026 following a difficult 2025.",
      "verbatim_quote": "After a challenging 2025, industry analysts are expecting growth to return in 2026 and 2027.",
      "source_url": "https://asd.ltd/construction-trends-2026/",
      "relevance": "high"
    },
    {
      "claim": "Steel construction in 2026 will see a continued trend toward the use of Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steel to reduce embodied carbon.",
      "verbatim_quote": "The specification of lower upfront embodied carbon EAF steel continues to be a strategy on commercial schemes.",
      "source_url": "https://asd.ltd/construction-trends-2026/",
      "relevance": "high"
    },
    {
      "claim": "The UK steel industry is transitioning from traditional blast furnaces to electric arc furnace technology with government financial backing.",
      "verbatim_quote": "The industry structure is undergoing significant transformation as traditional blast furnace operations transition to electric arc furnace technology with government financial suppo",
      "source_url": "https://www.imarcgroup.com/uk-steel-market",
      "relevance": "medium"
    },
    {
      "claim": "NEC4 contract training for 2026 in the UK includes specific modules on the Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) and Facilities Management Contract (FMC).",
      "verbatim_quote": "This one day training course will give a comprehensive overview of the NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC), breaking down its key components for new users.",
      "source_url": "https://www.neccontract.com/news/2026-nec-training-in-the-uk?srsltid=AfmBOophbZwTBK6ESiC8HIkKQEfr24IbaTMtWRY32lbZ6g0P2RacG3KM",
      "relevance": "medium"
    },
    {
      "claim": "The 2026 UK construction market is expected to be influenced by rising employment costs, including higher National Insurance contributions and minimum wage.",
      "verbatim_quote": "rising employment costs from the Autumn Budget – higher minimum wage and National Insurance contributions, will undoubtedly add pressure to already tight margins.",
      "source_url": "https://asd.ltd/construction-trends-2026/",
      "relevance": "medium"
    }
  ],
  "market_context": "- [HIGH] The UK steel market is projected to reach a value of USD 43,625.70 million by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.09% starting in 2026. (source: https://www.imarcgroup.com/uk-steel-market)\n- [HIGH] Flat steel products held a 45.12% share of the UK market, largely supported by construction cladding and automotive applications. (source: https://www.imarcgroup.com/uk-steel-market)\n- [HIGH] The UK construction sector is expected to return to growth in 2026 following a difficult 2025. (source: https://asd.ltd/construction-trends-2026/)\n- [HIGH] Steel construction in 2026 will see a continued trend toward the use of Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steel to reduce embodied carbon. (source: https://asd.ltd/construction-trends-2026/)\n- [MEDIUM] The UK steel industry is transitioning from traditional blast furnaces to electric arc furnace technology with government financial backing. (source: https://www.imarcgroup.com/uk-steel-market)\n- [MEDIUM] NEC4 contract training for 2026 in the UK includes specific modules on the Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) and Facilities Management Contract (FMC). (source: https://www.neccontract.com/news/2026-nec-training-in-the-uk?srsltid=AfmBOophbZwTBK6ESiC8HIkKQEfr24IbaTMtWRY32lbZ6g0P2RacG3KM)\n- [MEDIUM] The 2026 UK construction market is expected to be influenced by rising employment costs, including higher National Insurance contributions and minimum wage. (source: https://asd.ltd/construction-trends-2026/)"
}