Southwestern Ontario recreational vehicle dealerships are bracing for the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war on the industry.
According to an article by The London Free Press, Justin Boyd, owner of Great Escape RV in Elginfield, north of London, said he thought his dealership was heading “for a pretty good year” in January, but that changed after Trump launched the trade war.
“As a business, we can deal with the known, but the unknown is a different story,” Justin said.
Natalie Conway, executive director of the Ontario Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association, warned, “It’s another potential economic blow that would drive up prices, hurt Canadian consumers and put more small businesses at risk across the province.”
The tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel, and Ottawa’s reciprocal measures, have created what she described as a “disruptive and volatile” market.
The industry is closely monitoring Trump’s tariffs and the potential for further trade disruptions, according to Boyd.
With limited Canadian RV manufacturers, many parts are sourced from the U.S., using Canadian materials now subject to a 25 percent tariff. Additionally, RVs include components from Mexico and China, which could be affected by Trump’s trade policies.
Dealerships are struggling to manage price fluctuations on orders placed before the tariffs. John Watterton, sales manager at Can-Am RV, observed, “Sometimes they won’t let what the news says affect their decisions,” noting that some consumers remain undeterred.
However, the trade war came at a time when RV dealers were feeling more optimistic after some subdued years.
“If you’d talked to me in January, I would have told you we were heading for a pretty good year,” but now, “there’s a general fear out there again,” Boyd added.
This trade dispute is significant for the RV industry, a key part of the outdoor hospitality and recreation sector.
With approximately two million RVs in Canada and about 15 percent of Canadian households owning one, any significant price increases or supply chain disruptions could have widespread implications for both dealers and consumers, affecting enthusiasm for RV travel during the peak summer season.