Tariffs: Because Spray Foam Wasn’t Expensive Enough Already

You don’t have to be an economist to stay profitable.

Every contractor has that moment. You call your supplier for pricing and nearly choke on your coffee when you hear what a set of foam costs this week. You ask what changed, and the answer comes down to one word:

Tariffs.

They’re invisible, political, and far removed from the jobsite — but they have a real, measurable impact on the cost of doing business. And if you’re not paying attention to them, they can eat into your profits faster than a cold substrate eats a drum set.

Let’s break down what’s happening right now with spray foam tariffs, what materials are being hit the hardest, and how you can stay ahead of it.

What’s Going On With Tariffs Right Now?

In early 2025, the U.S. announced an increase in import duties across a wide range of construction-related goods — and spray foam materials were right in the blast zone.

One of the biggest targets? Isocyanates, particularly MDI (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate) — the main chemical that reacts with polyols to form rigid spray foam. MDI is a cornerstone of closed-cell foam systems and a key player in open-cell, too.

The catch? The vast majority of MDI used in the U.S. comes from overseas — especially China. When tariffs on Chinese MDI were raised to 35% this year, it didn’t just squeeze the chemical companies. It worked its way down to foam manufacturers, suppliers, and — finally — your bottom line.

And that’s not all. Tariffs on steel, aluminum, and key equipment components also surged in mid-2025, with some jumping from 10–25% up to 50% or more. That hits everything from spray rigs to transfer pumps and even replacement parts.

In short: the core materials and hardware behind your foam operation just got more expensive — whether you’re importing them directly or buying from a U.S. supplier who is.

What Spray Foam Contractors Are Seeing on the Ground

You’ve probably already felt it:

• Set prices rising fast — Closed-cell sets that ran $2,400 last year are showing up at $2,800–$3,100 depending on supplier and yield.

• Longer lead times — Distributors are hesitant to overstock when material prices are volatile.

• More volatility across the board — Suppliers who locked in pricing early are selling out faster, leaving late buyers with higher bills.

These aren't isolated cases. They're ripple effects of global trade policy — and they're not going away anytime soon.

What You Should Be Doing About It

1. Update Your Pricing Assumptions

If you're still quoting jobs with 2023 numbers, you’re flying blind. Run the math on your updated material costs before you send a bid. This is where having a tool like Foambid really pays off — update your per-board-foot or per-set pricing in seconds, and see how it affects the entire estimate in real time.

2. Use Protective Language in Your Quotes

Don’t get caught honoring outdated pricing. Use clear language like:

“Quote valid for 15 days. Subject to change due to market volatility and international material tariffs.”

It might feel formal — but it’ll save you from having to explain why you’re $3,000 over budget two months later.

3. Get Ahead on Supply, If You Can

If you’ve got the space and cash flow, consider picking up extra sets at current pricing if you know you’ll need them soon. Foam doesn’t last forever, but if you're confident in your work pipeline, a few extra drums now could save serious money later.

4. Talk to More Than One Supplier

This is a great time to build relationships with multiple distributors. Some may have better access to domestic products or pre-tariff stock. Others might offer more flexible pricing on secondary foam lines that still meet your standards.

5. Flex When You Can — But Stay Smart

In some cases, using open-cell in non-structural areas, adjusting thicknesses, or switching manufacturers might keep you in budget without sacrificing performance. But don't get reckless. Always match your foam to the specs and code requirements of the job.

Why This Isn't Just Another Price Hike

Tariffs aren’t like your usual fuel surcharge or annual price increase. They come with no warning, no control, and no ceiling. And unlike market dips or seasonal shifts, they’re usually tied to long-term trade disputes — meaning they can last months or even years.

That’s why the best spray foam contractors don’t just react to pricing changes — they plan for them.

If your profit margin depends on set prices staying flat, that’s a liability. You need a system that helps you adapt as conditions change. That’s what Foambid is built for: accurate bids, dynamic pricing, and the ability to re-run estimates when the market shifts.

Bottom Line: Don’t Let Tariffs Catch You Off Guard

You don’t have to be an economist to stay profitable. You just need to pay attention, stay flexible, and bid with real numbers.

If you know your cost per set just jumped, don’t eat it. Pass it along, professionally and clearly, to your clients. And make sure you’re using estimating tools that give you the flexibility to change pricing on the fly without rebuilding your bid from scratch.

Foam is already a tight-margin business. Tariffs make it tighter. The contractors who stay ahead are the ones who treat estimating like the business-critical skill it is.

by Gage Jaeger, Owner and Founder of Foambid