289. Will Trump’s Tariffs Upend the Self-Storage Industry?

Season #1

Trump’s tariffs are back, and they could send shockwaves through the self storage industry. With new tariffs on building materials, development costs are rising, demand is shifting, and investors need to prepare. Whether you’re a self storage owner, developer, or investor, these US tariffs could impact everything from occupancy to rental rates and long-term supply and demand.

At the time of this recording, Trump’s tariff policies remain in place, affecting trade with Mexico, Canada, and China. With uncertainty surrounding US tariff negotiations, how will these changes reshape the self storage industry? Will new restrictions drive rents up, slow development, or create unexpected opportunities?

We’re explaining the first, second, and third-order consequences of these tariffs, breaking down how they affect self storage investors at every level—from REITs to mom-and-pop operators. Plus, what lessons can we learn from previous tariffs and economic cycles, and how should you adjust your self storage investing strategy moving forward?

What you’ll learn in today’s show:

 

  • How Trump’s tariffs could impact self storage development costs
  • Why higher steel prices could slow new facilities and reduce supply
  • How shifting trade relationships with Mexico, Canada, and China affect self storage industry players
  • What happened in 2018’s US tariff cycle and what it means for today
  • Whether storage rental demand will rise as new development projects stall (good news for owners?) 
  • Why you MUST update your underwriting/analysis for these new tariffs 

Why U.S. Debt is Everyone’s Problem (Including Yours) - https://youtu.be/DFDZwj64EeQ?si=9yppssHb01hhcWUr