Today marks the start of U.S.-Canada tariffs, but it also may mark the end of RV orders crossing the border.
The Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association (CRVA) issued an update to its members regarding the tariffs and counter-tariffs that are expected to take effect today.
CRVA said the new tariffs will affect the RV industry on both sides of the border.
The tariffs, initially imposed by President Donald Trump’s administration on aluminum, steel and other products, are set to include all goods entering the U.S. from Canada. In response, Canada previously announced retaliatory measures, including a 25% surtax on $125 billion worth of U.S. goods entering Canada, which includes RVs.
Dealers will be required to pay the 25% fee at the importation time.
CRVA said the tariffs will not likely be financed under floorplan arrangements, placing a heavy burden on dealerships’ cash flow.
If the tariffs remain in place, CRVA said dealers could find it difficult to sell RVs for a profit. The tariffs would potentially halt orders of U.S.-made RVs.
CRVA said it is actively lobbying the Canadian and U.S. governments to exclude RVs from the tariffs. The association emphasized that the RV industry is highly integrated across North America, with approximately 30,000 to 40,000 U.S.-made RVs entering Canada annually.
CRVA is calling for removing all RV tariffs. CRVA President Shane Devenish urged all members, stakeholders and partners to advocate for tariff removal on both sides of the border. Devenish said such trade barriers are detrimental to the entire RV industry.
