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Countries Prepare Tariffs Affecting RV Industry

A picture of a wooden ink stamp, a manila folder with the word "Tariff" stamped on it and a paperclip

President Donald Trump issued executive orders Saturday to initiate broad tariffs on imported products from Canada, China and Mexico. In response, Canada is set to apply tariffs to $30 billion in U.S. imports Tuesday. Among the first products to be designated for tariffs are RV refrigerators.

RVIA President and CEO Craig Kirby said Sunday the association was concerned about potential retaliatory tariffs from Canada and Mexico.

“The vast majority of RVs sold in Canada are proudly made in America,” Kirby said. “The Canadian government has already announced its intent to retaliate on United States recreation vehicles, which could have a chilling effect on RV sales to the industry’s largest international trading partner. Mexico also serves as a critical partner in the supply chain for the U.S. RV industry, and we are concerned about the effects that disruptions to the supply chain could have on RV manufacturers, suppliers and our dealer partners.”

A picture of RVIA president and CEO Craig Kirby.
RVIA president and CEO Craig Kirby.

Canada’s initial tariffs would target, among other products, absorption-type, combination gas and electric-powered refrigerators designed for permanent installation and use in RVs. Canada also said the government would impose tariffs on an additional $125 billion of U.S. imports beginning Feb. 25. RVs and recreational boats are among the second tranche of imports subject to 25% tariffs.

Canadian Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic LeBlanc said tariffs taking effect Tuesday will be initiated to protect and support the country’s workers and industries.

“These U.S. tariffs are plainly unjustified,” LeBlanc said. “They are detrimental to both American and Canadian families and businesses.”

Kirby said RVIA supported the U.S. government’s actions to close the de minimis loophole exploited by Chinese manufacturers. He said RV aftermarket suppliers have lost millions of dollars in sales to low-quality Chinese imports.

“We support the administration’s efforts and commitment to protecting U.S. workers and jobs and keeping Americans safe,” Kirby said, “but fear that the retaliatory tariffs have the potential to harm American workers across the RV industry. We hope that the Trump administration and our international trading partners can quickly work together to find a solution that will benefit American industries and workers while ensuring the safety of American citizens.”

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