New tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to the U.S.—plus rumored 'reciprocal tariffs'—could send housing costs skyrocketing, leaving homebuyers footing the bill. Analysts warn of a ripple effect similar to the 2018 trade war, which saw appliance giant Whirlpool incur $350 million in unexpected steel-related costs.
U.S. construction relies heavily on imported materials, with Canada supplying 80% of lumber to some builders. Wisconsin homebuilder David Belman estimates tariffs could add up to $29,000 to the price of a single-family home. 'This directly contradicts the goal of affordable housing,' warns the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
With housing markets already strained, experts argue tariffs risk repeating past mistakes. 'American consumers always end up paying,' said an NAHB spokesperson. The group is pushing for exemptions on key materials to avoid worsening affordability crises.
'This directly contradicts the goal of affordable housing,' warns the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
'American consumers always end up paying,' said an NAHB spokesperson. The group is pushing for exemptions on key materials to avoid worsening affordability crises.
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