Dan Vojtko
Master Builders Solutions US & Canada
Newly imposed tariffs on imported steel products are once again disrupting the U.S. construction market. For concrete contractors, especially those relying on welded wire reinforcement (WWR) or light guage bar, this adds a new layer of risk. Material availability is tightening, and costs are rising quickly.
While the long-term effects are still taking shape, one thing is already clear: traditional steel reinforcement pricing and availability is volatile, and that volatility could affect project timelines, budgets, and labor planning.
The Tariff Effect: What’s Changing?
According to recent supply chain data, imported steel products account for a significant portion of reinforcement used across U.S. commercial and infrastructure construction. With tariffs affecting both raw steel and finished reinforcement goods, availability is expected to become less predictable, especially in high-demand regions.
This creates pressure for contractors who are already navigating labor shortages and aggressive build schedules. As steel reinforcement grows more expensive and harder to source, smart alternatives are gaining attention.
What Can Concrete Contractors Control? Reinforcement Strategy.
Rather than wait for market stability, many concrete contractors are evaluating their approach to reinforcement. Steel may be the traditional method, but it’s no longer the only option. MasterFiber products offers a performance-driven, labor-saving alternative—one that doesn’t rely on imported steel.
What is MasterFiber?
MasterFiber reinforcement solutions are engineered fibers—available in both steel and synthetic forms—that are added directly to concrete mixtures to enhance performance. These fibers improve concrete’s durability, toughness, and crack resistance, making them ideal for a variety of applications including slab-on-ground, pavement, tunnel linings, shotcrete, and precast elements. The MasterFiber portfolio includes products such as MasterFiber MAC Matrix, MasterFiber MAC 330, and MasterFiber MAC 360 FF. When added to concrete, these fibers produce fiber-reinforced concrete that complies with ASTM C1116, Standard Specification for fiber-reinforced concrete, and are designed to deliver performance equal to—or exceeding—that of traditional reinforcement methods such as rebar or welded wire mesh in many applications.
Importantly, all MasterFiber synthetic fibers are proudly manufactured in the USA at our Kingman, Kansas facility, ensuring consistent quality, dependable supply, and compliance with domestic sourcing preferences.
A Smarter Path to Reinforcement Efficiency
MasterFiber reinforcement solutions help contractor’s respond to today’s material cost challenges by offering a high-performance alternative to conventional steel reinforcement—without compromising strength, safety, or structural reliability.
By integrating reinforcement directly into the mixture, MasterFiber eliminates time-consuming steel placement, reduces jobsite congestion, and simplifies construction sequencing.
Reduce Steel Usage, Maintain Performance
Replace light-gauge WWR and small-diameter bar
Achieve targeted flexural toughness and effective crack control
Improve durability and energy absorption
Lower Installed Costs
Eliminate labor for tying and placing steel
Avoid tariff-related steel price spikes and delays
Streamline construction with fewer materials to manage
Resilient and Scalable
Consistent performance across a wide range of mixture designs
Compatible with existing batching and placing equipment
Proven across commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects
Future-Proofing Through Innovation
Periods of market instability demand proactive solutions. As steel costs rise and pressure mounts to deliver more with less, products such as MasterFiber empower concrete professionals to take control of their reinforcement strategy—and their project margins.
Interested in learning more? Reach out to your Master Builders Solutions representative or contact admixtures@masterbuilders.com.