Story perspectives
US Homeowners Import Chinese Materials Amid 145% Tariffs
4/25/2026
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Story summary
- Rising U.S. construction costs have led homeowners to buy building materials directly from Chinese factories.
- Engineer Gennadiy Tsygan is importing Chinese windows, cabinets and fixtures for his Baltimore home.
- Tariffs on Chinese imports have risen to 145%, while specialized labor to translate Mandarin instructions raises expenses.
- NAHB reports metal molding and trim up 45% year-over-year and lumber up 8%.
