Staying Focused – Prioritizing Our Customers Amid Steel Tariffs

Apr 10, 2025

In recent months, the metal building manufacturing industry has been navigating a new wave of tariffs impacting steel imports. While these tariffs have certainly had an impact on the marketplace, Vulcan Steel Structures remains committed to serving our customers. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the short-term impacts of the tariffs, there may be many opportunities emerging for the metal building industry that would require the design and construction of new manufacturing facilities across the nation.

What Are Steel Tariffs?

At the time of writing, the United States has imposed a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imported into the country. While similar steel tariffs were originally put in place in 2018, most were gradually phased out in the following years. This year we have seen the implementation of stronger steel tariffs, the removal of exemptions on steel imports, and an increase of tariffs on aluminum imports. These numbers are in flux, and we are monitoring the situation closely. We have navigated these sorts of tariffs before, while continuing to deliver on our commitments to our customers, and we intend to continue conducting our business as usual.

We Remain Committed to Our Customers

Regardless of external factors, Vulcan Steel Structures remains committed to engineering and manufacturing high-quality metal buildings to meet our customers’ needs. We are monitoring the market and regulations and working diligently with suppliers to give our customers notice of any increases before they take place. While the supply of raw steel may tighten slightly, we do not anticipate any major breakdown in the supply of raw materials like many manufacturers faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will continue to manufacture metal buildings to meet the needs of our customers.

How Is Metal Building Construction Being Impacted?

The call for metal buildings remains high despite the tariffs on steel and other goods. As the tech industry expands its footprint, metal buildings remain a favorite among data centers that require large, efficient buildings. Additionally, several microchip-manufacturing companies have recently announced plans to construct new plants in the United States.1

Opportunity for American Manufacturers

Despite current uncertainties, tariffs could have a positive, long-term impact that would bring about a revival of American manufacturing. With a 40-year history of manufacturing metal buildings in Adel, Georgia, we are ready to design and create the buildings needed for this American manufacturing growth. We are already seeing positive signs for the American steel industry. Hyundai recently announced a new steel mill coming to Louisiana, and we are looking forward to more domestic growth in the steel industry. 2

 As with many situations, there is opportunity in uncertainty. Our team at Vulcan Steel Structures is monitoring the tariffs closely, and we will update our customers if we anticipate any impact on our projects. We remain committed to providing excellent structures and service to our customers, regardless of any current or future tariffs.

1“ The White House, “President Trump is Remaking America into a Manufacturing Superpower.” (March 2025) https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2025/03/president-trump-is-remaking-america-into-a-manufacturing-superpower/.

2Chris Welty, “Hyundai to build $5.8 billion steel plant in Louisiana, creating 5,500 jobs.” Fox 8 New Orleans (March 2025): https://www.fox8live.com/2025/03/24/hyundai-build-58-billion-steel-plant-louisiana-creating-5500-jobs/.