Navigating Tariffs in Data Center Construction: Why Storage Strategy Matters

Since the 2024 elections, United States trade policies have undergone some of the most dramatic changes in nearly 60 years. One of the key changes has been the introduction of tariffs on international goods.

Tariffs are becoming increasingly influential on how data center projects are planned and executed. Once a relatively stable cost, import duties now play a more dynamic role—reshaping budgets, driving procurement timelines, and guiding decisions about when and where equipment is stored. As project timelines tighten and global trade policies shift, managing tariff exposure has become just as critical as meeting construction milestones.

Tariffs and Their Impact on Data Center Construction Projects

Tariffs—also called customs or import duties—are government-imposed taxes on goods entering the country. For data center construction projects, where high-value, long-lead equipment often comes from multiple countries, tariffs can significantly impact both financial planning and logistics. Because trade policies are subject to change, project economics can shift almost overnight.

Early Purchasing: A Solution That Creates New Challenges

One common response to tariff uncertainty is to purchase equipment earlier than planned to avoid anticipated increases in duty rates. In this strategy, a business can understand its exact costs, even if it means taking a chance that future tariffs could possibly be lower in the future. This strategy can limit tariff exposure, but it also introduces a new challenge: where to put the gear until installation.

Because data center owners typically don’t pay tariffs until they take possession of equipment, some opt to leave the gear with the manufacturer for as long as possible. However, storage space at manufacturing facilities is limited. When multiple customers adopt the same early-buy strategy, space can run out quickly—especially for large, mission-critical gear, like battery storage systems, and HVAC equipment. This can create bottlenecks that disrupt both budgets and schedules.

Turning to Third-Party Warehousing

To avoid space constraints with the manufacturer and maintain control over tariff timing, many project teams are turning to third-party warehousing providers. These facilities can securely hold mission-critical equipment until it’s needed and often offer specialized options like climate-controlled storage or reinforced yards for oversized gear.

But storage options can vary significantly, and choosing the right fit can make all the difference.

Key Considerations When Evaluating Warehousing Options

• Geography and Proximity to Job Sites
  Storing gear closer to a project site can cut down on transportation time, costs, and risks. But proximity isn’t always the deciding factor. Sometimes storing gear farther away makes more sense if that facility offers better security, handling capabilities, or logistics infrastructure. The availability of skilled labor for warehouse operations, inspections, or maintenance is also critical.
• Program Management and Visibility
  With equipment often spread across multiple facilities, visibility is essential. Tracking where items are, how long they’ve been stored, and whether they’re ready for delivery helps prevent delays and cost overruns. Strong program management keeps teams aligned and ensures equipment arrives on time. 
• Insurance Coverage
  Mission-critical gear, like UPS systems, solar inverters, and transformers, carry both high value and risk. Understanding what’s covered under the warehousing provider’s policy versus what must be supplemented is key to ensuring continuous protection.
• State Tax Advantages
  Certain states offer tax exemptions that reduce carrying costs for stored equipment. Freeport exemptions in Georgia, Texas, and Mississippi, for example, exempt certain in-transit inventory from local property taxes. Other states, including Utah, Nevada, and Delaware, have their own warehouse-friendly tax policies that improve cash flow for long-term storage.
• Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs)
  For some projects, the most strategic choice is storing gear in a Foreign-Trade Zone. FTZs are a secure area under U.S. Customs supervision where imported goods can be stored, tested, or assembled without immediately entering U.S. commerce. This allows tariffs to be deferred until the equipment leaves the zone for delivery, and in some cases, duties can be applied to the finished product rather than individual components if that’s more cost-effective.

  Why Storage Strategy Matters More Than Ever

  At BluePrint Supply Chain, we’ve seen that the most successful projects approach tariff and storage planning with a full-picture view. Awareness of tariff timing, tax policies, geography, labor availability, insurance, and multi-site visibility enables teams to weigh tradeoffs and make decisions that align with both budget and schedule.

  The Bottom Line

  Tariffs will continue to shape how teams approach data center construction projects—from when equipment is purchased to where and how long it stays in storage. Tariffs are unavoidable, so the challenge is managing their impact and planning accordingly. By evaluating storage options, leveraging tax advantages, and aligning strategies with construction milestones, project teams can minimize financial strain while keeping schedules on track. In today’s market, understanding and planning around tariffs is no longer optional—it’s a core component of a successful data center project.