NEWS

Where is the world's largest timber suspension bridge?

Answer: Boyne Mountain ski resort in Michigan expects Sky Bridge Michigan, the world’s largest suspension bridge, to be completed in June 2022. The 1,203-ft long pedestrian bridge will span the chasm between the peak of McLouth and the summit of Disciples Ridge.

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After the publication of China's third-quarter gross domestic product numbers, economist Derek Scissors argues that China's GDP has been creeping down toward six percent growth for years and that the country's leadership might be losing interest in claiming fast-growing GDP.

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In September, China's new construction starts fell for the sixth straight month, the longest run of monthly declines since 2015. September's decline of 13.54% vs. last year marks the third month in a row of double-digit declines.

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Reuters: China's plunging construction starts reminiscent of 2015 downturn

The European Commission has been accused of driving builders across Europe to the brink of insolvency after imposing antidumping duties of as much as 15% on Russian birch plywood. Many European companies are already reeling from chronic supply shortages and a surge in inflation.

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To ease supply-chain bottlenecks that are hurting housing affordability, U.S. homebuilders are calling on the Biden administration to temporarily lift tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum and Canadian softwood lumber. The temporary action would remain in place "until a long-term solution can be reached," said NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke.

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