The Impact of Tariffs on Industrial Construction Projects

In this episode of Construction Connections, Greg Sizemore speaks with Kevin Batche about the significant impact of tariffs on the construction industry. They discuss the current landscape of tariffs, the areas most affected, and the importance of early mitigation strategies. Kevin emphasizes the need for owners to adapt their procurement processes and specifications to navigate the challenges posed by tariffs effectively. The conversation also highlights the potential benefits of the One Big Beautiful Bill and the importance of communication and collaboration among stakeholders in managing tariff-related risks.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to CURT and Guest Introduction
02:09 Understanding the Impact of Tariffs
03:45 Differences in Current Tariffs
04:40 Areas Most Affected by Tariffs
06:04 Lead Times and Bid Hesitation
10:48 Mitigation Strategies for Owners
12:05 Balancing Design and Performance Specifications
15:35 Leveraging the One Big Beautiful Bill
19:58 Sources of Information on Tariffs
24:13 Structural Changes in Procurement
28:15 Key Questions for Procurement
31:16 Future-Proofing Capital Projects
35:20 Enhancing CURT's Support for Owners
38:38 Identifying the Most Impactful Mitigation Area
39:49 The Role of Communication in Tariff Management
42:31 Final Thoughts and Conclusion