Tariffs and Interest Rates Squeeze Construction Budgets

The Construction MMI (Monthly Metals Index) traded flat month-over-month, with no noteworthy price movement in either direction. Meanwhile, the U.S. construction industry is bracing for fallout from a new round of tariffs on key building materials. Industry groups warn that these tariffs, alongside persistently high interest rates, threaten to squeeze project budgets. Surging Costs for Steel, Aluminum and Other Metals As metal prices remain somewhat volatile, contractors nationwide report mounting cost pressures.  Now that President Trump…