The global construction industry, which is estimated to be worth $10 trillion, is seeing a significant shift in its fortunes, not just how buildings are financed or constructed but what they are made of. Geopolitical tensions, tariff volatility, and rising transportation costs are putting pressure on traditional supply chains. The National Association of Home Builders has warned that the outlook for lumber pricing in 2026 remains uncertain, with combined duties of nearly 45% on softwood lumber imports from Canada adding further uncertainty. The shift in how materials are evaluated is visible across the industry, with developers and manufacturers focusing on maintenance, reliability, and lifecycle economics. This shift is seen as a departure from historical norms in industries where predictability is crucial as price.