The U.S. government added a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium entering the country, removing earlier rules that had granted some countries exemptions. The change pushed roofing material prices up quickly — metal roofing most of all, with some prices up by as much as 60% — and its effects keep working through the supply chain.
What the tariff actually covers
The administration announced a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports. It removed the earlier exemptions that had allowed countries including Canada, Mexico and the European Union to avoid these tariffs. The stated goal is to support U.S. steel and aluminium producers — but it is American companies importing the material who pay the tariff, not the foreign sellers.
Metal roofing takes the direct hit
Metal roofing is hit hardest because it uses a great deal of steel and aluminium. Some metal roofing prices have already risen by up to 60%, covering roofing panels, gutters, vents, fasteners and flashing. Less common options such as aluminium shingles are expected to see significant increases too. Some customers may switch to other roofing types as a result, which could shift the market away from metal.
Asphalt shingles are affected indirectly
Asphalt shingles do not use much metal, but they are not insulated from the tariff either. Steel is used in the installation hardware, and some components are sourced from China, so additional tariffs on Chinese goods would push prices higher again. Shingle prices were already expected to rise 2–4% a year before the tariffs; the increase is now likely to be larger.
Tile, slate and synthetic materials
Tile, slate and synthetic roofing use little metal but will still get more expensive, driven by rising construction costs generally, higher shipping costs and possible material delays. The Tile Roofing Industry Alliance has already warned of likely price increases for concrete and clay tile.
Metal versus shingle: the market comparison
Asphalt shingle roofs typically range from $7,500 to $18,000 with an average around $10,500, while metal roofs range from $6,000 to $135,000 and average around $22,000. Metal is more expensive up front but lasts considerably longer. On return on investment the picture is closer than the price gap suggests — asphalt shingle is reported at 56.9% against 48.1% for metal.
What the wider market is doing
Roofing prices were already high before the tariffs, on the back of pandemic supply-chain effects, labour shortages and earlier tariffs. Prices had begun to settle, and the new measures are expected to drive them back up. The National Association of Home Builders estimated the tariffs might add around $10,000 to the cost of building a new home, with roofing a significant part of that. One report projected roofing costs could rise a further 6–10% within months.
How suppliers are responding
No exemptions have been granted, so suppliers are managing the increase in other ways: raising prices — Beacon Roofing Supply raised prices 4–6% in a single year — stockpiling material ahead of further rises, switching to U.S. or non-tariffed sources, offering alternative materials, renegotiating supplier terms and improving operational efficiency. Without exemptions, price increases are expected to continue.
What this means if you are planning work
For homeowners: get quotes in writing and understand how long they are honoured for, because a quote that expires quickly in a rising market is worth less than it looks. For contractors and builders: order early where storage allows, and be explicit with customers about which parts of a quote are exposed to material movement.
