Contractors concern at steel tariffs

USA: The US contractors association ACCA has added its voice to the condemnation of President Trump’s decision to impose additional tariffs on steel and aluminium.

Following a statement last week by the AHRI, in which president and CEO Stephen Yurek described the proposed tariffs as “injurious” to manufacturers, his opposite number at the ACCA, Paul T Stalknecht, says the decision will have a negative impact.

“ACCA is concerned that increased costs of HVACR equipment caused by tariffs on steel and aluminum will negatively impact professional contractors and consumers,” he said. “When the price of HVACR equipment increases, consumers who are in need of a new system trend toward cut-rate and unqualified individuals to service or replace their equipment. It also shifts the mindset of consumers to opt for putting “Band-Aids” on ageing systems instead of replacing them with today’s more efficient products.”

The ACCA is a non-profit association representing more than 60,000 professionals and 4,000 businesses in the US HVACR community.

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