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    Analysis

    June 15, 2021

    AGC: Tariffs and Quotas Crippling the Construction Sector

    Written by David Schollaert

    Easing pressure on construction costs and supply-chain bottlenecks is at a tipping point, the Associated General Contactors of America (AGC) said, urging the Biden administration to end tariffs and quotas on steel, aluminum, and lumber at once.

    The cost of goods and services used in construction climbed by a record-setting 4.3% in May and 24.3% over the past 12 months, jeopardizing contractors’ solvency and construction workers’ employment, according to AGC’s analysis of recent government data. Association officials called on the president to expedite the end of tariffs and quotas that are adding to construction material costs and availability problems.

    David Schollaert

    David Schollaert is deputy editor-in-chief for Steel Market Update. David joined SMU after more than a decade in the metals and mining industry in a myriad of different roles. Much of his early experience and expertise were within the coverage and analysis of steel-making raw materials and served previously as senior editor of the CRU Prices Service. Most recently, however, before his return to market analysis, David held roles as a metals buyer and an operations manager for raw material suppliers. He can be contacted at david@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-720-1008.

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