The HVACR industry is caught in the middle of a trade war between the U.S. and China. Trade tariffs began in the first quarter of 2018, and both countries have continued to set retaliatory trade regulations throughout the summer. The most recent went into effect on Sept. 24, and there may be more to come. These actions have increased the prices of sheet metal and aluminum, among other items, and they seem to be having a trickle-down effect for commercial HVACR contractors. Some have not directly felt the effects as of yet, while others are hustling to put a plan in place that accounts for price increases and strained customer relations.