More than 1,000 days into the current administration, there is no escaping that the “Trump tariffs,” as they have come to be known, have caused a significant hike in material costs on most construction projects. The tariffs on imported materials such as steel, aluminum, solar panels, lumber and plywood have caused suppliers to increase prices in response, which in turn have boosted the overall cost of construction.
The first waves of tariffs have passed, but many experts expect more—including hikes in existing duties and additional levies in new categories of materials. This is particularly so since the U.S. Supreme Court decided in June not to consider a trade group’s challenge of the tariffs’ constitutionality, essentially leaving unchecked President Donald Trump’s ability to impose more tariffs.