With the future of Canada-U.S. tariffs hanging in the balance, Canadian RV leaders said RV industry professionals must work together to fight for their industries’ future.
RVDA hosted a webinar last week addressing the potential impacts of U.S. tariffs on the Canadian RV industry and outlining advocacy efforts underway. RVDA of Canada Chairman Jim Gorrie led the 40-minute webinar.
The webinar was conducted before President Donald Trump said the U.S. would issue steel and aluminum tariffs today that would affect Canada.
Ongoing Uncertainty
Impact Public Affairs Lead Economist and Policy Advisor Charles Bernard began the webinar addressing the current tariff state. He highlighted the 30-day tariff suspension in effect, in which Canada must prepare for the incoming tariffs. A key takeaway was Canada’s uncertainty regarding the tariffs.
“It is still unclear with the 30 days how it is going to work,” Bernard said, but the 30-day period “gives us time to find out exactly what President Trump wants.”
The potential for tariffs to be reinstated in March remains possible. Bernard said that, unlike other industries, the RV industry relies on the U.S. for most of its products.
Bernard said, “We need to make it clear to Canadian officials that we are a key industry that is reliant on these imports from the U.S.”
Advocacy Efforts
RVDA of Canada President Eleonore Hamm addressed the association’s advocacy efforts with federal and provincial government officials. Hamm said the RVDA of Canada met with members of parliament to address tariff issues. Associations, including RVDA of Canada and the Canadian RV Association (CRVA), have sent letters to Canadian ministers detailing the RV industry’s effect on Canada’s economy.
“We have over 141,000 jobs (in the RV industry) and contribute $16.2 billion to the GDP,” Hamm said. “If the dealers are not strong, then the campgrounds become weaker, and the tourism industry is affected.”
Because 95% of RVs enter Canada from the U.S., Hamm said they needed to ensure products could cost-effectively enter Canada.
“This is what we are going to be pushing (to Canadian officials),” Hamm said, “that we do not have the Canadian infrastructure in place and manufacturing in place to sustain the dealer network.”
Hamm also touched on a remission dealers can apply for, exempting them from tariffs. RVDA of Canada is still investigating if a remission process can be available for Canadian dealers. Hamm said more information on the topic will be available in the future.
Continued Communication and Collaboration
Hamm reiterated the importance of all Canadian RV associations working together as a whole industry effort.
CRVA President Shane Devenish echoed Hamm’s point stating, “It is all hands-on-deck, and we are working together whenever we have an issue like this come up.”
Devenish said the U.S. House and Senate RV Caucus have advocated exempting RV industry products from tariffs in Canada. Indiana manufacturers have also been vocal with their state officials about tariff concerns.
Hamm encouraged RVDA of Canada members to talk to their government officials.
“We cannot just stop,” Hamm said. “We need to keep the ball rolling and keep our advocacy efforts up.”
Canadian association members can continue writing letters to state officials, highlighting the RV industry’s impact on tourism. RV industry members can contact RVDA of Canada for further information on applying for remission and with help writing letters.
To watch the webinar, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4PkgXibSF0.
