The U.S. residential construction sector relied on $13 billion of imported materials in 2023, representing 7% of the $184 billion total spent on materials for new multifamily and single-family housing. These estimates, derived from the BEA input-output accounts and adjusted to 2023 values, were reported by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The data highlights the importance of international trade in construction material supply chains. Of all imports, China accounted for 27%, followed by Mexico at 11% and Canada at 8%, with the remaining 27% sourced from other nations.
Proposed tariff increases, particularly a 10%-20% general tariff and a 60% tariff on Chinese imports, are estimated to raise the annual cost of imported building materials by $3.2 billion. This would significantly impact items like household appliances, where 54% of imports originate from China, adding $670 million in costs. At a 20% general tariff and 60% on Chinese imports, the added annual costs could rise to $4.2 billion.
Canada remains a critical partner for wood-related imports, supplying 70% of sawmill and wood products worth $5.8 billion in 2023. These imports already face a 14.5% tariff. Nonferrous metals topped the import list from Canada at $17.6 billion. Mexico’s major contribution includes lime and gypsum products, with 71% of imports valued at $456 million in 2023, alongside a notable $28.6 billion worth of computer equipment.
