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Fuelling Construction Development in the USA with Material Construction Imports
10/07/2025
Key Takeaways:
- Global construction material imports accounted for 32% of the materials used in the USA in 2023 enabling residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects to be completed across the country.
- Imported construction materials allow the industry to reduce supply chain disruptions, lower costs, and innovate by using a wider range of building technologies and techniques.
- Legislation like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and CHIPS Act has accelerated construction activity across the USA.
Whether it’s commercial construction for the development of leisure and hospitality buildings, or residential construction to address the current housing deficit, undoubtedly the construction industry is a vital part of the US landscape.
Although the industry itself has been longstanding, since the publication of key legislation between 2021 and 2022, the construction sector has seen rapid growth in the USA. Anticipated to reach 1.27 trillion USD in 2024, and with an expected output equalling 1.53 USD trillion by 2028, this sector is becoming increasingly valuable.
But how did this incredible momentum build?
Partly due to the implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) Act, which acted as a catalyst for change. But also, due to the opportunities afforded to businesses through the construction material imports made available through global shipping.
The Crucial Role of Shipping in the Development of the U.S.
Construction Industry
From sandstone to granite importers in the USA, according to Marcum, a New York City-based accounting and advisory firm in 2023, 32% of construction materials used in the USA were imported. Whether it’s cement, steel, lumber, or insulation, successful construction material transport has been a crucial part of the sector’s growth in recent years.
Providing Access to a Diverse Range of Building Materials
Not only does construction material transportation play a crucial role in the overall supply chain, but also in the way the sector has developed in recent years by enabling businesses to access a wide range of building materials.
1. Stone
Providing strength and stability, stone importers in the USA are responsible for enabling the development of a vast array of property types. Its ability to bear heavy loads and resist water makes stone a vital component in most building foundations and load baring walls. Equally, the weather resistant properties of the material make it an ideal component in facades and cladding.
2. Steel
Like stone, steel imports are another fundamental component of the USA construction industry. Not only is it a vital part of most building frameworks, but its strength and flexibility mean it’s frequently used to build bridges and overpasses, which in turn play a critical role in the country’s wider infrastructure.
3. Cement
Equally, cement which plays a primary role in the creation of the concrete used in building foundations is also widely used. From the production of roads, highways, tunnels, and overpasses its ability to withstand heavy loads makes it a much sought-after product. Cement importers in the USA source it from the four corners of the earth, from Vietnam, Turkey, Germany, Egypt and Canada.
4. Marble
Long prized for its beauty and strength, marble importers in the USA can provide material for numerous interior applications, including counter tops, stairs, mantels, and tiles.
5. Tiles
Similarly, US tile imports are responsible for helping numerous commercial construction projects by providing materials used in flooring across shopping malls and office buildings. Its durability and versatility make tile an excellent material to use both internally and externally.
6. Quartz
Unlike natural stone, quartz imports are non-porous, making it a popular choice for countertops in kitchens and bathrooms due to their stain and bacterial resistance.
Encouraging Sustainability
Evolving market demands and developing environmental regulations mean that sustainability is becoming increasingly important within the construction industry. As buildings account for a huge amount of global energy consumption, finding ways to make construction more sustainable is crucial.
Providing access to a range of different construction material imports enables construction projects to utilize those with lower environmental footprints where appropriate. The use of materials like bamboo, recycled steel, or low-carbon concrete where possible helps reduce the overall environmental impact of construction in the USA.
Encouraging Sustainability
Evolving market demands and developing environmental regulations mean that sustainability is becoming increasingly important within the construction industry. As buildings account for a huge amount of global energy consumption, finding ways to make construction more sustainable is crucial.
Providing access to a range of different construction material imports enables construction projects to utilize those with lower environmental footprints where appropriate. The use of materials like bamboo, recycled steel, or low-carbon concrete where possible helps reduce the overall environmental impact of construction in the USA.
Buildings with Variety: The Advantages of Importing Diverse Construction Materials
As well as aiding sustainability efforts, having access to a range of construction material imports from around the world helps foster innovation within the industry. Not only can businesses select the best materials, but by being able to choose from a range of different mediums they can develop new techniques to achieve the best results.
Beyond this, there are numerous benefits of importing a diverse range of construction materials, including:
Competitive Advantage
Offering a diverse range of materials means that as a business you’ll be able to better serve your customers and meet their specific needs. Having access to unique materials that may not be available locally sets you apart from your competitors and can help you cater to niche markets and high-end projects more effectively.
Supply Chain Flexibility
Importing construction materials can help reduce risks associated with local shortages or disruptions. Not only does this ensure you have access to a consistent number of materials, but as a business also helps manage your overall project timeline more effectively.
Cost Efficiency
Avoiding delays in your supply chain means your overall construction project can become more cost-effective. Similarly, imported materials may be cheaper, especially when bought in bulk. This again can help ensure you’re keeping costs down during your construction project, while also freeing up the required resources in the local economy for other areas where it may be needed.
Compliance with Standards
Equally, using imported construction materials also ensures your project is meeting international and regulatory requirements, and certifications, all of which are needed to ensure your project meets industry standards.
Ask MSC
Whether it’s granite, steel, or marble, when it comes to importing construction materials in the USA, our team at MSC will be on hand to support you every step of the way. With local and industry experts available, we’ll help you through every stage of your import journey and ensure you have everything you need to make your next construction project spectacular. Contact us today to find out more.
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Learn MoreFAQs
Why are Construction Materials Imported into the U.S.?
Construction materials are imported to meet high demand, diversify available resources, and access to materials that may not be locally produced in sufficient quantity or quality.
Which Construction Materials are Commonly Imported into the U.S.?
Commonly imported materials include:
- Stone (for structural and decorative use)
- Steel (for frameworks and infrastructure)
- Cement (for concrete production)
- Marble and tiles (for flooring, surfaces, and interiors)
- Quartz (for kitchen and bathroom counters)
Where do the U.S. Import Construction Materials come from?
Materials come from a wide range of global sources. For example:
- Cement: Vietnam, Turkey, Egypt, Canada
- Marble: Italy, India, and Spain
- Steel: South Korea, Mexico, Canada
How to Import Granite?
To import granite into the USA, you need to:
- Identify a reliable supplier (popular granite importers in the USA include countries like India, Brazil, or China).
- Check the import regulations in the USA for granite.
- Classify your product using the correct HS Code.
- Arrange shipping of your granite cargo into the USA (generally via the ocean onboard a container ship).
- Complete customs documentation for your import including commercial invoice, bill of lading, and certificate of origin.
Working with a licensed customs broker can help you to clear your granite cargo through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) more efficiently.
Where does the USA get its Marble?
Some of the most popular marble importers in the USA include:
- Italy - Known for high-end, luxury marble like Carrara and Calacatta.
- Turkey - A major global supplier of both polished and unpolished marble.
- India and Spain both of whom provide a large share of the US marble market.
Which Country is the Biggest Exporter of Tiles?
Some of the biggest tiles importers in the USA include:
- China
- India
- Spain
- Italy
How do I Import Steel to the USA?
Steel imports in the USA generally involve the following stages:
- Stage one involves checking the import regulations in the USA.
- You will also need to identify the correct HS code for the type of steel (stainless, alloy) you are importing.
- Acquire required licenses via the Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis (SIMA) system from the U.S. Department of Commerce.
- Work with a broker to file and pay the necessary customs entries and duties.
- Arrange shipping process with an ocean carrier.
- Ensure you understand and follow all anti-dumping or countervailing duty rules while importing your steel cargo.