How Steel Tariffs Affect Your Building Price

In June 2025, the U.S. doubled the Section 232 tariff on most imported steel from 25% to 50%. While the United Kingdom remains at 25% under a trade agreement, nearly every other country now faces the higher rate.

These tariffs ripple through the entire steel supply chain, raising costs for domestic producers and building buyers. The scope of the tariffs was expanded in August 2025 to cover derivative products, closing loopholes and broadening the impact on construction materials such as pipes, tubes, wires, fasteners, and more.

Whether you buy a building with imported or U.S. steel, the updated tariffs are significantly impacting the final price you pay. Understanding the myths, cost factors at play, and pitfalls to avoid will help you make the best decision on your next steel building. Here is a breakdown of everything you need to know about how steel tariffs are affecting your building price.

When it comes to our steel buildings, the tariffs increased prices for materials delivered. For example, a 40×60 steel building before the implementation of the tariffs was almost always under $35,000. As the tariff value was passed down stream, those materials increased to around $40,000. Today, this 2,400 square foot building has increased in price again due to the volatility of steel prices.

Providing 2,400 square feet of column free space, our 40×60 metal building is a top 3 most popular solution for business owners as well as individuals. Starting with a base building package (center) you have the choice of adding hundreds of components to create a personalized kit.

While the tariffs are directly affecting the price of steel goods, they’re also affecting the business practices of companies that rely on steel for their products. In an effort to make up for the revenue lost to the higher price of steel, some steel building businesses are resorting to deceptive tactics to hook consumers.

The implementation of the tariffs have left consumers between a rock and a hard place with prices and uncertainty rising. If you’re looking to buy a steel building, we recommend staying ahead of the inevitable price increases by completing construction of your building as soon as possible.

We also recommend working with the most reliable building suppliers. This ensures that you receive the highest quality building at the fairest price with clear communication throughout the process. General Steel has been the premier steel building business in the industry over four decades.