Tariffs aren’t usually the first thing business owners want to talk about, but lately, they’ve become harder to ignore—especially when they start affecting material costs and Steel Fabrication Solutions for Canadian Businesses.

If you’re a Canadian business relying on steel fabrication, you’ve probably noticed that things are getting a bit pricier. So, what’s going on, and will these rising costs hit your bottom line?

Let’s break it down.

What’s the Deal with Tariffs?

As of early 2025, the U.S. brought back a 25% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum. Canada didn’t waste time responding and placed similar tariffs on American products, including—you guessed it—steel. It’s basically a back-and-forth trade disagreement, but the real-world impact is that the cost of steel has gone up, especially here in BC.

Due to that, fabrication services, construction projects, and product manufacturing can all feel the pinch.

So …How Does This Affect You?

If you’re a business that uses steel products—whether for signage, structural supports, equipment, or custom fabrication—these tariffs can cause a ripple effect, including:

Materials cost more
Quotes on projects may rise
Lead times can get a bit longer

No one likes surprise costs, especially when you’re trying to stick to a budget. That’s why it’s important to work with a team that’s not only transparent, but also proactive.

What Can Businesses Do?

At Absolute Fabrication, we’ve been paying close attention to how this situation is unfolding. While we can’t control international trade policies, we can help our clients plan around them.

Here are a few ways we’re staying ahead:

Looking for smarter sourcing: We are always vigilent at exploring alternate suppliers to keep costs reasonable.
Maximizing efficiency: By improving our own fabrication process, we can help absorb some of the cost changes so they don’t hit your invoice.
Being honest and upfront: We believe in open conversations, especially when your budget is on the line. We’ll always let you know where things stand.

Although – yes, steel tariffs are having an effect on the industry, that doesn’t mean Canadian businesses are out of options.