The Metal Building Manufacturing Landscape in 2025

The metal building manufacturing industry is at a pivotal moment in 2025. Steel prices are showing relative stability but are under upward pressure due to new economic policies. For commercial developers in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana, understanding market dynamics is crucial as they plan their next projects.

Jeremy Flack, the Founder and CEO of Flack Global Metals, provided an insightful steel market update during a March 12, 2025 interview on Bloomberg. This interview followed 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, Fabral. Fabral provides high-quality metal wall and roof systems. Flack’s 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 today will hedge against future volatility, tariffs, and demand shifts that could drive prices higher 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. This increase is driven by the White House administration’s economic policy, which imposes a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports. 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 due to supply chain disruptions and demand surges.

Current stability is mainly due to balanced supply and demand, with U.S. mills operating at around 75 percent capacity. However, new tariffs aimed at protecting domestic producers tighten supply by discouraging cheaper imports, particularly from Asia. China’s overcapacity in steel production remains a wildcard, while U.S. trade barriers and domestic mill discipline are supporting price increases. Steady demand continues to create 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. This helps protect our customers from the volatility of changing global pricing and fluctuations in U.S. steel production. Given the current prices are still below historical highs, now is the perfect time to lock in your building contract. Doing so will 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) serves as a critical driver of steel demand in 2025. This act is fueling projects like bridges, roads, and renewable energy facilities that rely heavily on plate and structural steel—essential components for metal buildings. While the IIJA’s impact was gradual in 2024, 2025 is witnessing a surge in project activity. Industry forecasts suggest 18-20% price increases for key steel products in 2025 compared to 2024 averages.

Additionally, the Southern U.S.—including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana—is experiencing significant growth. Almost 695 million square feet of new products are being built by industrial developers in response to population growth and consumer demand, creating ideal applications for metal buildings.

This rising demand could strain steel supply, particularly with the 25% tariff reducing import availability. Therefore, there is a strong effort to onshore U.S. steel production. Flack stated during 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 ensures quality, but it 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 the current stability, significant risks loom for developers who delay their projects. While the 25% tariff on steel and aluminum is pushing prices upward, additional risks are present in the steel industry today.

1. Geopolitical Tensions: Ongoing issues, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the global trade war, can disrupt global supply chains, tightening steel availability and driving prices higher.

2. Domestic Supply Constraints: If infrastructure demand surges, or if mills face outages, supply could shrink, exacerbating tariff-driven price increases.

3. Import Dynamics: The new tariffs currently restrict Asian imports, 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. Prices could rise by 20 to 30 percent if they climb toward $1100 per ton or beyond. For example, a 60x100 warehouse could incur 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 are a top choice for commercial developers, and the market conditions in 2025 enhance their appeal. With a focus on risk management, metal buildings offer numerous advantages:

• Cost Savings: Pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMBs) can save up to 30 percent compared to traditional construction, leveraging prefabricated designs for efficiency.

• Speed of Construction: These projects are completed 20 to 40 percent faster, allowing developers to generate revenue sooner.

• Durability and Flexibility: They are resistant to weather, seismic events, and heavy use, making them suitable for a variety of applications. Customizable 60x80 or 60x100 layouts further enhance their versatility.

• Sustainability: Recyclable steel and energy-efficient insulation significantly reduce costs, 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 the challenges of the 2025 market. We secure competitive pricing through our supply chain partnerships, ensuring consistent access to high-quality steel. Our optimized supply chain maintains timely delivery, even in the face of global uncertainty. We tailor each project—whether it's a multi-building distribution center, a hybrid office space, or an indoor recreational facility—to meet your needs while keeping costs and timelines on track. Contact us today and find out why Tyler Building Systems makes manufacturing metal buildings easier.