Navigating New Tariffs on
HVAC Raw Materials

How VES USA Helps RHVAC Manufacturers Stay Competitive

In 2025, manufacturers of HVAC internal components face unprecedented economic pressures. New tariffs 25% on imported steel and aluminum, and up to 125% on select Chinese goods have substantially driven up the costs of essential raw materials critical to internal HVAC components, including heat exchangers, evaporator coils, condensers, compressors, and internal tubing. These escalating material costs directly threaten profit margins, complicate supply chains, and present significant operational challenges for manufacturers in the Residential Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (RHVAC) sector.

In response to these complex market dynamics, VES USA provides tailored and innovative helium leak testing and recovery solutions designed specifically to help RHVAC component manufacturers reduce material waste, optimize helium consumption, and streamline production processes ensuring sustained profitability and operational resilience despite external economic turbulence.

The Impact of Tariffs on RHVAC Manufacturing

The introduction of new U.S. tariffs has significantly disrupted the economic landscape for manufacturers in the Residential HVAC (RHVAC) sector, sharply increasing production costs due to escalated raw material prices.

Steel and Aluminum (25% Tariff): This direct tariff on imported steel and aluminum significantly elevates the costs of essential internal HVAC components such as heat exchangers, evaporator coils, condensers, and internal tubing, directly impacting manufacturers’ profitability and operational efficiency. (Investopedia)
Chinese Imports (Up to 125% Tariff): Additional tariffs reaching up to 125% on select goods from China have severely affected crucial electronic controls, sensors, compressors, and specialized components integral to modern HVAC systems, creating further strain on supply chains and increasing operational complexity.

These unprecedented tariff-related increases have inevitably filtered through the supply chain, leading to heightened product prices for end consumers and significantly reducing competitive margins for RHVAC manufacturers in the market.

VES Strategic Solutions

VES USA specializes in helium leak testing systems for HVAC manufacturing, providing tailored solutions that address the unique challenges posed by the current economic climate.

Customized Helium Leak Testing Systems

VES USA designs and manufactures bespoke helium leak testing systems that integrate seamlessly into existing production lines or serve as the foundation for new ones.

Each system is engineered based on key technical variables such as allowable leak rate, internal product volume, helium concentration, and target cycle time, ensuring every solution is tailored to the customer’s specific production parameters.

In an environment of rising costs, import tariffs, and competitive pressure, these highly efficient, made-to-measure systems empower RHVAC manufacturers to stay agile, reduce total cost of ownership, and maintain operational excellence.

Helium Recovery systems

With helium prices on the rise, VES USA’s helium recovery systems like the innovative PURE enable RHVAC manufacturers to reclaim and reuse helium with up to 90% recovery efficiency.

Combined with VESConnect for real-time monitoring and preventive maintenance, PURE gives manufacturers the tools to reduce operational costs, minimize resource waste, and remain highly competitive in a volatile market where materials and supply chain challenges are increasingly common.

Process Optimization Consulting

Beyond equipment, VES USA support both experienced manufacturers looking to enhance their current leak testing system and new players entering the helium testing landscape. Our engineers analyze every detail from test pressures and leak limits to cycle times to ensure you’re making informed, cost-effective decisions from day one.