US–China Tariff Pause & SPRI Adhesion Test Advances

With the preliminary U.S.–China trade framework reached last week, low-slope roofing contractors are awaiting the fine print to understand tariff impacts on key materials. Here’s what’s happening:

🛠️ Trade & Tariff Developments

• Preliminary Agreement Achieved: On June 11, a draft trade deal from London confirms a phased tariff reduction framework. Capped total duties may reach ~55% on some Chinese imports, including “fentanyl tariffs,” layered over baseline rates¹.

• 90-Day Tariff Pause: Starting May 14, reciprocal tariffs dropped from ~145% to a 10% base, lasting through August 11. Afterward, rates could return to 34% unless further notice².

• Tariff Stack Uncertainty: Importers are still untangling how overlapping levies will apply. Contractors should lock in current pricing where possible since details are still unfolding³.

• Section 301 Exclusions Extended: The USTR extended exemptions—including some roofing-related products—through August 31, 2025⁴.

🔍 Industry Trends & Tools

• SPRI Standard Milestone: SPRI approved ANSI/SPRI/FM TDP-1 in March 2025, setting new benchmarks for adhesion testing of membranes, adhesives, and board stock⁵.

• Edge System Revisions Ahead: SPRI is revising its ED-1 standard for low-slope edge systems, addressing corrosion resistance and performance under wind pressure (< 9.5° slope)⁶.

• Retrofitting Roof Drains: The new ANSI/SPRI RD-1 (Feb 2025) standard outlines requirements for retrofit roof drains, critical for drainage maintenance in existing low-slope systems⁷.

⚙️ Tech Spotlight: Tools of Tomorrow

• AI-Enhanced Estimating: Leading contractors report up to 20% reductions in waste and faster bid cycles by piloting AI for material forecasting and job costing⁸.

• Digital Twins + Drones: Drone-captured 3D scans help generate digital twins of roofs, enabling pre-mobilization simulations for repairs or retrofits.

• Sensor-Integrated Systems: Moisture and temperature sensors embedded at flashings and drains are becoming more common, triggering maintenance alerts before issues arise.

🧰 Pro Tips for Contractors

1. Secure Pricing Now: Lock in membrane and insulation orders under the current 10 % tariff structure—adjustments could come fast.

2. Validate Eligibility: If you source U.S. roof equipment, double-check Section 301 exclusions—some remain effective until August 31, 2025⁴.

3. Plan Drain Retrofits: Incorporate RD-1 standards when upgrading drainage—proper retrofit drains can prevent ponding and leaks.

📚 Learning Topic: Deep Dive into SPRI’s TDP-1 Adhesion Standard

Since its ANSI/SPRI/FM TDP-1 approval in March 2025, the Tension-Peel adhesion test has become the benchmark for evaluating how well low-slope roofing membranes, adhesives, and insulating boards bond under stress. Understanding its details will help you specify materials more confidently and ensure long-term system performance:

1. Test Objective & Scope

   • Measures peel strength between membrane and substrate or between membrane layers.

   • Applies to single-ply systems (TPO, PVC, EPDM) and compatible insulation board stocks.

2. Key Test Parameters

   • Specimen Preparation: 3″ × 6″ strips, conditioned at 73 ± 3 °F and 50 ± 5% RH for 24 hours before testing.

   • Peel Rate: Constant 2 in/min crosshead speed for tensile-peel separation, simulating real-world uplift forces.

   • Pass Criteria: Minimum 10 lbf/in average peel adhesion for fully adhered assemblies; 6 lbf/in for polymer-modified loosely laid systems.

3. Importance in Specification

   • Ensures membranes won’t delaminate under wind-uplift or thermal cycling.

   • Provides uniform comparison across different manufacturers and installation methods.

4. In Practice

   • Quality Assurance: Require TDP-1 test reports from your membrane and adhesive suppliers.

   • Jobsite Verification: Randomly sample installed seams for field peel tests to confirm in-place adhesion matches lab results.

   • Troubleshooting: If peel values dip below spec, investigate substrate moisture, adhesive flash-off time, and ambient conditions at installation.

5. Further Resources

   • SPRI’s full TDP-1 standard document (purchase or access via membership).

   • FM Global’s RoofNav database to check third-party approvals based on TDP-1 results.

   • Training videos and webinars on adhesion testing best practices (available through SPRI and NRCA).

This briefing reflects information available as of June 23, 2025, 05:00 MST. As trade agreement details become official and final standards are released, we'll provide further updates next week.

Sources:

1. Reuters, “Deal includes base + fentanyl tariffs = ~55 %,” June 16, 2025.

2. China-Briefing, “Tariff pause details until Aug 11,” June 12, 2025.

3. Newsweek, “Tariff ‘stacking’ adds another headache for US importers,” June 16, 2025.

4. Thomasnet, “Summary of new USTR exclusions,” June 2025.

5. SPRI, “Release of TDP-1 standard,” March 2025.

6. SPRI, “Plans to update ED-1 standard,” April 2025.

7. SPRI, “RD-1 retrofit drains standard,” February 2025.

8. Professional Roofing, “Adopting AI,” May 2025.