RVIA President and CEO Craig Kirby wrote to RVIA members Thursday to update them on the work the association was performing on tariffs and their effect on the RV industry.
Throughout the process leading up to Wednesday’s tariff announcements, Kirby said RVIA engaged with members, lobbyists, partners, congressional champions and the administration of President Donald Trump to share the tariffs’ potential effect on the RV industry.
Kirby said the work began in partnership with RVIA’s trade-focused lobbying firm, Sorini, Samet & Associates. Together, they tracked the tariffs, goods impacted, implementation dates (and pauses) and other details. Additionally, RVIA and the lobbying firm worked with members to research whether the various tariffs covered certain products (via HTS codes).
Since the administration levied 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, followed by Canada’s plan to issue a 25% tariff on American RV imports, Kirby said RVIA worked closely with its Canadian association counterparts. Together, they educated House and Senate RV backers on the tariffs’ potential effect.
RVIA hosted Indiana Rep. Rudy Yakym at an industry roundtable in March at the RV Technical Institute.
Kirby said, “Rep. Yakym assured those industry representatives in attendance that he had and would continue to carry the message to the White House.”
Kirby said Indiana Sen. Jim Banks provided similar assurances.
Similar conversations occurred during an event organized by Sorini, Samet & Associates and featuring House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith of Missouri. Kirby said the de minimis exemption was also discussed at the event. RVIA advocated for a legislative solution to the de minimis exemption, a position with which Smith agreed.
RVIA is also advocating for tariff relief on lauan and Canadian softwood lumber imports. Kirby said both products are vital to the industry.
Kirby said RVIA is reviewing the results of its Feb. 26 trade survey, sent to members, to craft a comprehensive advocacy strategy. Part two of the survey will be distributed shortly to RVIA members.
Additionally, RVIA will reopen applications to its RV Trade Advisory Panel (RVTAP). RVTAP launched in 2021 to address supply-chain and shipping concerns affecting the RV industry. RVIA plans to reinstate in-person RVTAP meetings to consider today’s tariff and trade environment.
Kirby said, “Monitoring, providing information on, responding to, and sharing the impact on our industry with congressional champions and the administration will continue to be a top priority for (RVIA).”
