Statement from RVIA:
In response to the Trump administration’s announcement regarding tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, the RV Industry Association (RVIA) released the following statement from President and CEO Craig Kirby:
The RV Industry Association is the leading trade voice of the $140 billion dollar RV industry, representing over 500 manufacturers and component and aftermarket suppliers who together produce 98 percent of all RVs made in the United States, and approximately 60 percent of RVs produced worldwide. We are concerned about the potential for retaliation on U.S. exports of RVs by Canada and Mexico.
The RV industry is a major employer in the United States, and Canada is the largest international buyer of U.S.-made RVs. In 2024, the United States RV industry shipped 29,489 units to Canada, with an estimated wholesale value of $1.38 billion and an estimated retail value of $1.735 billion. The vast majority of RVs sold in Canada are proudly made in America. 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. After several years of economic uncertainty and headwinds, the RV industry is finally seeing some green shoots in terms of growth, and we hope that the administration’s policies will strengthen American industries like ours.
We applaud the administration’s actions to close the de minimis loophole, which Chinese producers have exploited to undercut American businesses in the RV aftermarket sector. American RV aftermarket suppliers have been losing millions of dollars to low-quality imports flooding in from China, and this action will force Chinese producers to fairly compete with American companies.
We support the administration’s efforts and commitment to protecting U.S. workers and jobs and keeping Americans safe, 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.
Also from RVIA: New Tariff Developments: What RV Industry Association Members Need To Know
Statement from RVDA of Canada:
Eleanor Hamm, president of the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) of Canada, sent the following letter:
As you are surely aware, the US and Canadian governments have announced plans to impose tariffs on imports from each other, which will have a major impact on our industry.
While we are still assessing the full details, we want to provide you with an initial overview of how these changes may affect the RV sector.
Key Points:
- Effective Feb. 4, The US will impose a 25% surtax on all products imported from Canada, including both finished goods and raw materials. This tax will be collected from the importing company.
- Canada’s Response: Also effective Feb. 4, select US-origin products entering Canada will be subject to a 25% surtax, applied to the importing company.
- Further Canadian Tariffs: Canada plans to expand the list of affected US imports later in February, maintaining the 25% rate.
- No Business Ownership Exemptions: The tariffs apply regardless of whether the importing company is US- or Canadian-owned.
- Parent-Company Transfers Impacted: Internal transfers between a US company and its Canadian subsidiary (or vice versa) will still be subject to tariffs.
Affected Products:
A full list of products affected by Canada’s Feb. 4 tariffs can be found here:
Government of Canada: List of Products Subject to 25% Tariffs
Items relevant to RVDA members include:
- Refrigerator-freezer units (absorption-type, gas/electric-powered, designed for RV installation)
- Microwave ovens
For the second stage of Canadian tariffs, a public comment period will precede implementation. This phase is expected to impact a broader range of products, including passenger vehicles and trucks, including electric vehicles, steel and aluminum products, certain fruits and vegetables, aerospace products, beef, pork, dairy, trucks and buses, recreational vehicles, and recreational boats.
Next Steps:
- The RVDA of Canada will provide further updates in the coming days, potentially including a member webinar.
- We are actively engaging with government officials and industry stakeholders on both sides of the border to advocate for de-escalation and exemptions.
- We are urging the Government of Canada to exclude RVs from the second stage of tariff due to the severe economic harm this would impose on Canadian businesses and consumers.
We recognize the potential impact of these changes and will keep you informed as more details emerge. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
