The White House’s announcement of a 25% tariff on imported vehicles on Wednesday served as a reminder that April 2 is coming.
The new administration has dubbed the day “Liberation Day,” a day in which it will announce reciprocal tariffs in certain sectors. While United States Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick called the move a new “external revenue service,” the White House has since softened its approach, saying that it wants to charge reciprocal rates and could limit the scope of the new tariffs.
No details have been released regarding April 2’s planned announcement, but the White House, according to Reuters, will soon “impose tariffs on autos, pharmaceuticals and aluminum in ‘the very near future,’ arguing that the U.S. would need all those products in the event of wars or other problems.”
The news follows the White House’s 25% tariffs on aluminum and steel products from all American trading partners, which took effect on March 12. The tariffs are an attempt to boost American producers and end unfair trade practices from foreign competition.
The glass industry will not be spared from the aluminum tariffs. Aluminum curtainwall and window wall systems used in the building envelope could experience some price volatility in the coming months.
This is because the U.S. is heavily reliant on aluminum imports. Around half of the aluminum used in the U.S. comes from abroad, most from Canada (around 3.2 million tons in 2024, according to the International Trade Administration).
Ken Simonson, chief economist at the Associated General Contractors of America, said in a METALCON Online webinar, “Steel & Aluminum Tariffs Uncovered: What This Means for the Future of Metal Construction and Design,” that the current situation is complex.
“We’re subject to 25% tariffs on aluminum and steel and tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico that are not covered by the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement, the successor of NAFTA,” he says. “It’s a tricky, complex proposition to figure out exactly what is eligible, but in any case, [the White House] has threatened to end any exemption for Canada and Mexico on April 2.”
He expects the non-residential construction sector to experience less of an impact than the residential sector, but the tariffs are “one more thumb on the scale going into projects.” It’s the uncertainty that hurts more than anything.
Tony Bouquot, general manager of the Metal Building Manufacturers Association, says caution is the word of the moment.
“I am hearing caution,” he says. “I’m hearing a lot of questions. I’ve probably taken more questions on tariffs in the last three weeks than in the previous three years … Companies are letting their customers know that they expect that there might be changes on the way, but I haven’t seen anybody announce price increases yet.”
Several weeks ago, a 25% tariff on all aluminum and steel imports to the U.S. took effect as part of the White House’s push to impose new taxes on U.S. trading partners. The glass industry is no stranger to aluminum, which is used in various systems, including window, door, storefront and curtainwall systems.
Source: USGlass with additional information added by GlassBalkan
