Yesterday, I posted about potential construction delays and supply chain challenges resulting from the strike at the East Coast ports, such as New York, New Jersey, Savannah, and Charleston.
A reader asked me about the specific types of construction materials that may be subject to delays. Geographically, the East Coast ports handle a variety of imported construction materials and supplies, especially from Europe, South America, Africa, and sometimes Asia. With the expansion of the Panama Canal, they also receive goods from Asia, though traditionally West Coast ports have dominated Asian imports.
Here are specific construction materials and supplies commonly imported through East Coast ports:
1. Lumber and Engineered Wood Products
- Plywood and oriented strand board (OSB) from Canada and South America.
- Laminated veneer lumber and cross-laminated timber (CLT) from Europe.
- Exotic hardwoods for high-end flooring or millwork from Africa and South America.
2. Stone, Tile, and Flooring Materials
- Granite, marble, and limestone from countries like Italy, Brazil, and Spain.
- Ceramic and porcelain tiles from Italy and Spain.
- Engineered stone and quartz for countertops from Europe and South America.
3. Steel and Metal Products
- Structural steel and rebar from Turkey, Ukraine, and Eastern Europe.
- Aluminum extrusions and sheet metal from Europe and Asia.
- Stainless steel products (such as fittings, pipes, and plates) from Europe.
4. Plumbing Supplies
- Copper tubing and piping from Europe and South America.
- Valves, fittings, and fixtures from European and South American manufacturers.
5. HVAC and Mechanical Components
- Air conditioning units and ductwork components from Mexico, Europe, and occasionally Asian sources (especially from companies with distribution hubs on the East Coast).
- Boilers and heating systems from Europe, particularly Italy and Germany.
6. Glass and Windows
- High-performance glass and window systems from Europe, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy.
- Curtain wall systems and specialized glass products for high-rise buildings from countries like Spain and Belgium.
7. Electrical Equipment and Components
- Electrical transformers and switchgear from Europe.
- Lighting fixtures from Italy, Spain, and other European nations.
- Cables, conductors, and wiring from Europe and occasionally Mexico.
8. Specialty Building Materials
- Insulation products, such as mineral wool and foam boards, from European manufacturers.
- Adhesives, sealants, and coatings from Europe, particularly high-performance products for specialized applications.
- Elevator systems and escalators, often imported from European manufacturers like KONE and Schindler.
9. Fasteners and Hardware
- Bolts, screws, nails, and fastening systems from Europe and South America.
- Specialty hardware for doors, windows, and cabinetry from European suppliers.
While West Coast ports dominate Asian imports, East Coast ports play a critical role in handling materials from Europe, South America, and other regions. The materials coming through these ports are often used in both residential and commercial construction, particularly for high-end projects that rely on imported specialty products and finishes. Additionally, the expanded Panama Canal has increased the flow of some Asian goods to the East Coast, though the volumes still generally remain lower compared to the West Coast.