Steel Market Trends: Why Now Is the Time to Buy a Metal Building
- Brian Talbot
- Apr 22
- 4 min read
The metal building manufacturing industry is at a pivotal moment in 2025, with steel prices showing relative stability but facing upward pressure from new economic policies. As commercial developers in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana plan their next projects, understanding market dynamics is crucial.
Jeremy Flack, Founder and CEO of Flack Global Metals, gave an insightful steel market update during a March 12, 2025 interview on Bloomberg after the announcement of new tariffs by the United States government. Flack emphasized both the opportunities and risks for 2025. Flack Global Metals is a key supplier to Tyler Building Systems (TBS) through their subsidiary company Fabral, which provides high-quality metal wall and roof systems. His expertise, combined with Fabral’s role in our supply chain, underscores why now is the ideal time to invest in metal buildings with Tyler Building Systems, securing cost-effective solutions before the unknown volatility, tariffs, and demand drive price shifts this year.
A Stabilizing Market with Emerging Pressures
Jeremy Flack’s 2025 steel market outlook highlights a period of relative stability tempered by new pressures. He discussed how hot-rolled coil prices for steel in March 2025 have risen from a recent low of $650 per ton to around $900 per ton, driven by the White House administration’s economic policy imposing a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports. Despite this increase, Flack notes, “I’ve seen steel at $200 a ton and at $2000 a ton, and somehow we continue to make products out of steel in this country.” Current prices remain below the five-year historical average that peaked around $2100 per metric ton in 2021 when supply chain disruptions and demand surges drove prices to an all time high.
“I’ve seen steel at $200 a ton and at $2000 a ton, and somehow we continue to make products out of steel in this country.”
Current stability is accredited to balanced supply and demand, with U.S. mills operating around 75 percent capacity. However, the new tariffs, aimed at protecting domestic producers, are tightening supply by discouraging cheaper imports, particularly from Asia. China’s overcapacity in steel production remains a wildcard, but U.S. trade barriers and domestic mill discipline are supporting price increases. Demand continues to hold steady, creating a favorable environment for metal building projects. For developers, this means 2025 offers a chance to secure steel at relatively low prices before further tariff-driven hikes or supply constraints emerge.
At Tyler Building Systems, we leverage our partnerships to maintain our supply chains to protect our customers from the volatility of changing global pricing and US steel production fluctuations. However, we recommend that with prices still below historical highs, now is the time to lock in your building contract to ensure your project benefits from fixed cost predictability and high-quality materials manufactured in the USA.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Boost
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is another key driver of steel demand in 2025. It is fueling projects like bridges, roads, and renewable energy facilities that rely on plate and structural steel, essential for metal buildings. While the IIJA’s impact was gradual in 2024, 2025 is seeing increased project activity. Industry forecasts suggest 18-20% price increases for key steel products in 2025 compared to 2024 averages. From expansion due to Federal investments, warehousing and logistics, and energy infrastructure, the Southern U.S., including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana, is also experiencing growth, with industrial developers building nearly 695 million square feet of new product in response to the region's population growth and consumer demand, all ideal applications for metal buildings.
This rising demand could strain steel supply, especially with the 25% tariff reducing import availability. That’s why there is a strong effort to onshore U.S.steel production. Flack stated in his Bloomberg interview, “We have the lowest carbon footprint, highest efficiency, highest quality steel mills in the world in the United States.” This domestic focus, bolstered by tariffs, ensures quality but may lead to higher prices as infrastructure projects compete for materials. Developers who act now can secure pricing through Tyler Building Systems, avoiding potential cost increases in late 2025 or 2026.
The Threat of Price Volatility: Why Waiting Could Cost More
Despite current stability, there are significant risks for developers who delay their projects. Although the 25% tariff on steel and aluminum, implemented to protect U.S. producers, is pushing prices upward, there are additional risks in the steel industry right now.
Geopolitical Tensions: Ongoing issues including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the global trade war could disrupt global supply chains, tightening steel availability and driving prices higher.
Domestic Supply Constraints: If infrastructure demand surges or mills face outages, supply could shrink, exacerbating tariff-driven price increases.
Import Dynamics: Overall, the new tariffs are keeping Asian imports at bay for now, but any relaxation of trade barriers could lead to a flood of low-cost steel, disrupting prices.
Waiting until late 2025 risks exposure to these uncertainties, potentially increasing costs by 20 to 30 percent if prices climb toward $1100 per ton or beyond. For a 60x100 warehouse, this could mean tens of thousands in added expenses. By acting now, developers can lock in a high-quality metal building at current prices, ensuring budget certainty.
Why Metal Buildings Are the Smart Choice in 2025
Metal buildings remain a top choice for commercial developers, and 2025’s market conditions enhance their appeal. With an emphasis on risk management, metal buildings offer:
Cost Savings: Pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMBs) save up to 30 percent compared to traditional construction, leveraging prefabricated designs for efficiency.
Speed: Projects complete 20 to 40 percent faster, enabling developers to generate revenue sooner.
Durability and Flexibility: Resistant to weather, seismic events, and heavy use, they suit industrial facilities, warehouses, retail, and hybrid spaces, with customizable 60x80 or 60x100 layouts.
Sustainability: Recyclable steel and energy-efficient insulation reduce costs by up to 30 percent, aligning with eco-friendly trends.
Tyler Building Systems delivers these benefits across East Texas and the Southern U.S. Acting now ensures you capitalize on prices still below the historical five year average, securing durable, future-ready structures.
Tyler Building Systems takes a proactive approach to help you navigate 2025’s market. We secure competitive pricing through our supply chain partnerships, ensuring access to high-quality steel. Our optimized supply chain maintains timely delivery despite global uncertainty. We tailor each project—whether a multi-building distribution center, a hybrid office space, or an indoor recreational facility—to your needs, keeping costs and timelines on track. Contact us today and find out why Tyler Building Systems manufactures metal buildings, made easier.
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