As the U.S. government enforces new tariffs as high as 245% on Chinese imports, and China retaliates with tariffs of up to 84%, the ripple effects are already being felt in industries across the country — especially construction.
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Local builders and construction companies in Houston report that the cost of building materials has increased by 5–10%. These increases are showing up as “subcharges”. Builders say this could be a sign that the fees are temporarily added to the cost of the goods.
Global tensions, local impact
According to the Houston Builders Association, the U.S. spends more than $200 billion annually on construction materials, with $14 billion of that sourced from outside the country.
“Many of those materials — like light fixtures, mirrors, ceramic tile, and PVC pipes — come from China,” said Adam Aschman with the association. “And lumber, which we often source from Canada, is now facing a 25% tariff.”
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The impact is being felt directly by builders like Nick Spector of Alair Homes Houston.
“We’re seeing one-time fees of 5–10% on incoming materials,” Spector said. He says the increase has allowed the company to look at other options, buy in bulk, and explore different vendors just to control costs.”
Still, he warned, “If this continues, it could seriously affect the affordability and attainability of homes.”
Is there a silver lining?
Some experts suggest that the tariffs could bring about long-term benefits — but only if trade negotiations are successful.
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Political analyst Vlad Davidiuk offered cautious optimism: “These price hikes may not be permanent. The administration says nearly 90 nations have reached out to renegotiate trade agreements, which could ease pressure and bring prices back down.”
Looking ahead
So far, the Houston Builders Association hasn’t seen a full-scale increase in home prices due to the tariffs. But, warns that could change depending on if the tariffs stay the same, increase, or are removed altogether.
