Alberta’s RV industry is bracing for significant price increases following U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, including those from Canada.
The tariffs, signed into effect through an executive order, are expected to ripple through the supply chain, directly impacting RV manufacturers and consumers.
According to an article by Global News, Dania Filippetto, president of Rangeland RV in Calgary, highlighted the immediate concern, noting that 95% of RVs sold in Canada are manufactured in the U.S.
“This recent tariff being announced is really going to affect the cost of RVs,” she said. The increased costs of steel and aluminum, key materials in RV manufacturing, combined with the unfavorable exchange rate for the Canadian dollar, will inevitably lead to higher retail prices.
Filippetto estimates that the cost of RVs will rise significantly as manufacturers pass on the added expenses from the tariffs to dealers and, ultimately, consumers.
“We’ll take a significant price increase from the tariffs of steel and aluminum,” she explained. The added financial burden is expected to affect not just new RV purchases but also repair and maintenance costs, as parts and materials become more expensive.
While the long-term outlook points to increased prices and potential sales declines, Filippetto observed a short-term surge in consumer interest.
“A lot of consumers that maybe were waiting to buy an RV are a little bit quicker to want to purchase something right now because it is going to be more affordable no matter what,” she said, referring to existing inventory unaffected by the new tariffs.
The RV industry had previously felt the sting of similar tariffs during Trump’s first term, which were lifted after the signing of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
However, the economic impact lingered, and businesses were wary of history repeating itself. The reintroduction of tariffs not only threatens to disrupt pricing stability but also poses challenges for small- and medium-sized RV dealers who may struggle to absorb the rising costs.
The new tariffs underscore the vulnerability of Alberta’s RV industry to international trade policies, with potential long-term implications for outdoor recreation businesses and consumers seeking affordable travel options.