The Truth About Steel Tariffs
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.
Common Misconceptions About Tariffs
Myth: “If my building uses 100% American steel, tariffs don’t affect me.”
Truth: U.S. mills often raise prices when imported steel becomes more expensive. With less competition from abroad, domestic suppliers have more room to increase rates. This “pass-through effect” means you can still end up paying more, even if your building uses U.S. steel.
Myth: “Tariffs only hit raw coil.”
Truth: Many derivative products are now covered by the Section 232 tariffs, including pipes, tubes, wire, fasteners, and more. The additions to the derivatives list were designed to expand the reach of the tariffs and shut down duty evasion schemes.
Myth: “All countries face the same rate.”
Truth: As of June 4, 2025, most countries face a 50% duty. The UK remains at 25% unless conditions change.
Other Effects of the Steel Tariffs
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.
What to Do
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Steel Tariffs
How much can tariffs change the price of my building?
Tariff increases can potentially add thousands of dollars to a project. The exact impact depends on the size of the building, the steel content in the design, and if domestic suppliers increase their rates.
Can tariffs affect financing or budgeting?
Yes. If prices rise during your planning phase, you may need to revisit loan amounts, adjust the scope of your building, or shift your timeline. Locking in the price of materials early can prevent you from having to rework budgets down the road.
How can I protect myself when buying a building during tariff volatility?
Work with a trusted supplier who accurately and fairly explains how tariffs are handled in your quote. Reliable companies outline the risks, lock in pricing windows, and avoid surprise change order, helping you keep your project on track even if the market shifts.
Should I wait for tariffs to go down before buying?
Waiting often costs more in the long run. Tariffs can stay in place for years, and even if reduced, prices may remain the same. The safer strategy typically is to lock your price now rather than gamble on future policy shifts.
Sources and Citations
- White House Proclamation (June 3, 2025) – raises S232 steel/aluminum to 50% (UK 25% remains): https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/06/adjusting-imports-of-aluminum-and-steel-into-the-united-states/
- CBP CSMS #65236374 (June 3, 2025) – entry filing, steel content lines, UK treatment at 25%: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCBP/bulletins/3e36d96
- BIS/Commerce press – expanded derivative coverage; reinforcement of 50% tariffs: https://www.bis.gov/press-release/department-commerce-adds-407-product-categories-steel-aluminum-tariffs
- USITC 2023 study on tariff impacts (historical context & pass‑through): https://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub5405.pdf
- Econofact (2020) – prior 25% steel tariff had ~50% pass‑through to domestic prices: https://econofact.org/steel-tariffs-and-u-s-jobs-revisited
- General Steel infographic page (baseline tone/structure): https://gensteel.com/resources/infographics/how-steel-tariffs-affect-your-building-price/
Ready to Design Your Building?
Use Our 3D Designer Request Your Quote.
Bring your project to life with our 3D Building Designer. Already know your size? Get a quick quote (3 easy steps) with our Price Your Building Online form. Prefer a person? Call us now for immediate assistance with your project.
