As a second-generation Arizona steel fabricator and founder of Next Level Steel and Next Level Decking, I’m who people call when they want to talk structural steel construction. Or maybe it’s a developer trying to get a gauge on the level of large-scale commercial and industrial developments in the pipeline here in the Valley and beyond. But lately everyone wants to ask me about the same thing: What’s happening with the new tariffs on foreign steel, and how will they affect prices and projects across Arizona?
So far, we haven’t seen a significant shift in material costs. In fact, many foreign structural steel suppliers seem to be absorbing the added tariff costs — for now. Domestic producers haven’t raised prices much either, but that could change.
Most of our structural steel sources have always been U.S.-based, and we’ve reexamined our supply chains to ensure we have additional sources for 100% American-forged steel. But I don’t expect a return to COVID-era supply chain chaos or a lack of materials to meet capacity.
What we are seeing is hesitation. Projects that were ready to break ground are being shelved as developers and investors wait to see how tariffs might ripple through supply chains and pricing. When combined with the ongoing pressure of higher interest rates, the result is a pause across many sectors of construction.
Despite this, demand remains strong. Contractors need reliable partners who can deliver structural steel and decking solutions quickly, locally, and with consistency. That’s where we come in.
After launching Next Level Steel in Mesa in 2020 (and being named the nation’s 16th fastest-growing manufacturer by Inc Magazine), we’ve doubled down by launching Next Level Decking in Goodyear.
Brandon Bell is founder of Next Level Steel and Next Level Decking.
Photo courtesy of Next Level Steel
