January 2026 construction tariff update covering steel and aluminum tariffs, cost escalation trends, material pricing volatility, and near-term risks affecting multifamily and commercial construction.

We’re shifting gears. No more long narratives or speculative forecasting. Now that we're squarely in the midst of tariff implementation, we're focusing on clear, digestible data that helps you track real-time cost impacts to construction.

# KOW Building Consultants — Weekly Tariff & Construction Cost Snapshot As of July 7, 2025 Use this data at your own risk 🔥 Current Concern Level: High Ongoing tensions in Iran, Gulf shipping risks, EU tariff uncertainty, and rising oil prices keep construction cost volatility elevated . 📈 Estimated Construction Cost Increases (due to 2025 tariffs) Building Type Added Cost Change vs Last Week Wood-Framed +3% – 5% ➡️ (steady) Poured Concrete +5% – 8% ➡️ (steady) Structura

Prepared by KOW Building Consultants | Use this data at your own risk   Overall Concern Level: High Due to persistent geopolitical tensions (Iran conflict), unresolved EU tariffs , and rising oil prices, cost uncertainty remains elevated in the U.S. construction sector. Construction Cost Impacts from 2025 Tariffs: Building Type Estimated Cost Increase Change from Last Week Wood-Framed 3% – 5% 0% Poured-in-Place Concrete 5% – 8% 0% Structural Steel 8% – 12% 0% These estimates

Due to escalating geopolitical tensions, evolving trade agreements, and newly imposed tariffs, construction cost uncertainty remains high across the United States. This week’s update highlights the key developments driving material prices and outlines what construction lenders, developers, and contractors should monitor next.

The following is an update on where I believe things are headed regarding U.S. tariffs and how they may impact construction costs nationwide. To help clarify risk levels, I use a personal 10-point index, with 1 being the lowest risk and 10 the highest. This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial or cost predictions. Use this data at your own risk.

With the 90-day trade truce between the U.S. and China still in effect, pressure from aggressive tariffs has eased—but uncertainty remains high. While some material prices are stabilizing, underlying supply chain issues and rising labor costs continue to drive project risk.

Following major trade talks between the U.S. and China, we’re beginning to see some easing of tariff-related pressure—but uncertainty still clouds the outlook.

As part of our ongoing effort to monitor tariff-related risks, we’re continuing to track the shifting international trade landscape and its effect on U.S. construction.

The construction industry is entering a period of heightened volatility. With new tariffs introduced in early 2025, material pricing and project forecasting have become increasingly uncertain.