How Builders Can Prepare for the Upcoming Tariff Price Increase

 As we approach the implementation of new tariffs on imported aluminum and steel, builders across the country will soon feel the impact on materials for doors, windows, and other construction projects. These tariffs will likely cause significant price hikes, especially in products that rely on these metals. However, with a little foresight and planning, you can minimize the impact on your projects and protect your bottom line.

Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming tariff price increases and how you can prepare:

What Are the New Tariffs, and How Will They Affect Your Projects?

Starting in about a month, the U.S. government will impose tariffs on aluminum and steel imports, similar to those implemented in 2018. These tariffs will cause prices for aluminum and steel to rise again, which directly impacts windows, doors, and other construction materials that rely on these metals.

This means the cost of aluminum and steel-framed windows and doors will rise, which could directly affect your budget, project timelines, and profit margins.

What Should You Expect?

Increased Material Costs: The price of aluminum and steel products will rise, and windows and doors made with these materials will likely see price hikes of up to 15-20%. This is based on the increase we experienced after the 2018 tariffs were imposed. The impact will vary depending on your location, as some suppliers may feel the effects more than others.

Tighter Budgets: As material costs increase, your project budgets may need to be adjusted to account for the higher costs. You may also find yourself needing to adjust your pricing for clients, which could affect your competitiveness in the market.

Longer Lead Times: With tariffs in place, the supply chain could be further impacted, leading to delays in obtaining materials. The additional time required to source and ship materials could affect project timelines.

How Can Builders Prepare for These Price Increases?

While the tariff increases are out of your control, there are steps you can take to mitigate the impact on your projects and bottom line. Here’s what we recommend:

Plan Ahead and Order Early

With the price hikes on the horizon, it’s wise to place your orders for windows and doors as early as possible. This will allow you to lock in current prices before additional tariffs or price increases take effect, which is common in these volatile market conditions.

Explore alternative solutions such as aluclad wood, fiberglass and uPVC products

One of the most effective ways to avoid the rising costs of aluminum and steel is to consider alternative materials like aluclad wood, fiberglass and uPVC. These materials are largely unaffected by the new tariffs, which means they won’t experience the same price increases.

At Eurostar, we offer a great assortment of aluclad wood, fiberglass and uPVC window and door solutions that can help you keep your projects on budget. Switching to these materials could save you money upfront and provide your clients with long-term energy savings.

Communication is key

Being transparent with clients about the rising material costs can help set expectations and avoid misunderstandings down the road. The tariffs are part of our current landscape and although we can’t change the situation, we can prepare ourselves and our customers by discussing the trends (lead times, price, etc.) and work through each project with that in mind.

Stay Updated on Tariff Changes: The tariff situation may change – for better or worse - so staying informed is crucial. Regularly check government updates or industry news to understand how the tariffs will affect specific materials. We will do our best to communicate updates and changes but also ask that our partners stay informed.

How Eurostar Can Help

Our team is here to help you navigate these upcoming changes and make smart, cost-effective choices for your projects. Whether you're looking for energy-efficient solutions, durable materials, or simply need help understanding how to prepare for the tariff increase, we’re ready to support you.

Take Action Today! Contact your Eurostar Representative for additional questions or email us at Tariffquestions@ESFWindows.com