On the impact of tariffs
An HBSDealer poll from early 2025 showed a majority of readers opposed to “aggressive tariffs.”
Since then the plot of the tariff story has thickened considerably, especially with the April 2 release of “Liberation Day” tariffs.
While some of the reciprocal tariffs have been paused, other tariffs have not. And at least one association of contractors, the Associated Building Contractors, has felt an actual impact as a new landscape for international trade emerges.
The group’s Chief Economist Anirban Basu stated: "Approximately 80% of ABC contractors surveyed indicate that suppliers have notified them of tariff-related materials price increases, and nearly 20% of contractors surveyed had projects paused or interrupted because of tariffs during March,” the ABC reported in mid-April.
Against this backdrop enters the latest HBSDealer survey question. Is your business bracing for an impact? Or is it actually feeling an impact?
Take the survey below.
The ABC economist added the following:
"These tariffs have already materially diminished the outlook for construction activity in 2025. Many businesses are poised to delay or even cancel planned capital investments given the current business environment and daily market convulsions. Conditions will likely deteriorate further if elevated tariff rates remain in place for any meaningful length of time."
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