Architectural & Structural Metals Mfrs NAICS 3323

Nov 18, 2025 - Meeting Evolving Building Codes

• Recent updates to building codes are significantly increasing the structural and performance demands on metal-building systems, including roofing, siding, and support framing, Metal Construction News reported in November. Codes relating to wind and snow loads, fire resistance, exterior finishes, and accessory attachments are more stringent and geographically variable than ever. For manufacturers of metal panels, structural metals, and metal-building systems, this means design, testing and documentation requirements are rising: materials must meet higher load ratings, fire-resistance standards, and be compatible with heavier finishes, insulation, and complex attachments. As a result, manufacturers will face higher cost pressures (more steel, heavier gauges, extra testing) but also opportunities. Companies with code-ready product lines will gain a competitive edge, while those slow to respond may face margin erosion or lost projects,
• Architectural and structural metals manufacturers are facing increasing cost and engineering pressures due to more stringent local‐ and state‐building codes, Metal Construction News reports. Key drivers include snow loads, wind loads, fire ratings, and aesthetic/finish requirements, all of which frequently necessitate heavier gauges, stronger anchoring systems, additional materials (insulation, fire‐resistant barriers, framing upgrades) and more rigorous engineering. For manufacturers of architectural and structural metals this means upfront costs escalate (more steel, more testing), longer lead times, and the need to supply more complex, code‐compliant systems rather than simple commodity panels. At the same time, the increased stringency is an opportunity for firms that develop pre‐engineered, code‑ready metal systems or high‐performance finishes to win more business. To succeed in the increasingly regulation‑heavy metal building market, manufacturers must prioritize engineering expertise, robust supply chains, and product innovation.

• In September, domestic steel prices fell to their lowest levels since February, giving up earlier tariff-driven gains, OilPrice.com reports. Weak demand from the construction sector, short mill lead times, and volatile durable goods orders are putting downward pressure on prices, including for hot-rolled steel coil, which in early September saw its lowest price since February. The Raw Steels Monthly Metals Index (MMI), which tracks steel prices, fell nearly 1% from August to September. In the first quarter, prices jumped $241 per short ton following tariff announcements by the Trump administration. However, since peaking in March, prices have fallen $109 to $818 per short ton. Prices for cold-rolled coil and hot-dipped galvanized steel are also trending downward. While tariffs have provided support for domestic steel prices, falling demand from the construction and manufacturing sectors is dragging down steel prices.
• Producer prices for architectural and structural metals manufacturers rose 6.9% in August compared to a year ago – a record high for the industry – after rising 0.9% in the previous August-versus-August annual comparison, according to the latest US Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Tariffs on aluminum and steel, along with a more recent tariff on raw copper, are raising costs for manufacturers, prompting them to hike prices. Employment by the industry is also at a record-high level, up 3% year over year in July, while average wages at architectural and structural metals manufacturers rose 3.3% over the same period to $26.89 per hour, easing from their peak in April, BLS data show.