Table of Contents
1. Which Building Materials Are Most Affected by Tariffs?
2. What Can Florida Builders Do to Manage Rising Material Costs?
3. Why is Florida’s Construction Market Especially Impacted?
4. How Can Poli Construction Help Your Project Stay Profitable?
Tariffs are once again reshaping the construction industry. In 2025, a new wave of trade restrictions is pushing material prices higher and complicating project planning across the United States.
While some of these policies aim to boost domestic production, they also bring short-term challenges for builders, particularly in high-growth states like Florida.
Recent U.S. government actions include:
- 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports (no exemptions for allies like Canada or Mexico)
- Potential 34.5% duties on Canadian lumber expected by fall
- Tariffs on Mexican concrete and aggregates are also rising
“As part of a new trade agreement, tariffs on Chinese imports were temporarily paused, dropping from 145% to 30% for 90 days.”
While these policy changes are designed to support U.S. industries, they’re also increasing the cost of key construction inputs and creating supply chain uncertainties.
Which Building Materials Are Most Affected by Tariffs?
The tariffs are impacting several critical construction materials:
- Steel – Prices are up due to 25% import tariffs and canceled orders from Canadian and Mexican mills
- Aluminum – Higher costs and potential delays, especially for electrical components and framing materials
- Lumber – Tariffs on Canadian lumber could increase by 138%, from 14.5% to 34.5% by fall
- Concrete & Cement – Florida imports over 50% of its aggregate and cement from Mexico, now under 25% tariffs
- Chinese goods – Temporary relief in place, but uncertainty remains after the 90-day pause
“According to the Florida Department of Transportation, concrete and reinforcing steel prices could rise 3% – 9% this year.”
What Can Florida Builders Do to Manage Rising Material Costs?
Construction firms can take these steps to manage risk:
- Include material escalation clauses in contracts
- Set time limits on supplier quotes in bids
- Document material prices before ordering to support claims
- Explore alternative materials or hybrid building systems
- Negotiate early procurement and flexible delivery timelines
Why is Florida’s Construction Market Especially Impacted?
Florida is more vulnerable than many states due to:
- High reliance on imports from Mexico and Canada
- Steady demand from housing, infrastructure, and tourism projects
- Year-round building cycles that depend on reliable material flow
- Tariff-affected suppliers often control regional pipelines (especially concrete and oil-based materials)
Even with policies like the Buy America Act, insulating some government-funded infrastructure work, private projects remain highly exposed.
How Can Poli Construction Help Your Project Stay Profitable?
Don’t let rising material costs stall your net project. At Poli Construction, we help you navigate volatility in the market with smart planning, in-house execution, and a commitment to delivering quality, even when the economy shifts.
From new commercial construction to interior and exterior renovations, our team works closely with clients to develop budget-conscious solutions that never compromise on design or durability. With our proven process, you’ll always know where your project stands.
We’ve partnered with clients across healthcare, hospitality, dining, and public infrastructure. Take a look at some of our past projects to see the difference we deliver.
Please contact us to find out more about how to get started on your next project. We look forward to working with you!
