The RV Dealers Association of Canada recently highlighted how American tariffs on steel and aluminum will increase the cost of manufacturing RVs, ultimately hurting consumers on both sides of the border.
“About half of the materials for an American-made RV comes from Canada, including steel and aluminum. These materials are imported into the U.S. from Canada, where RVs are manufactured,” said Jean-Francois Lussier, chair of RVDA of Canada. “This will inevitably mean increased costs for RVs, punishing consumers in the U.S. and in Canada.”
RVing and camping in Canada has a considerable economic impact. The manufacturing, purchasing, servicing and use of RVs contributes billions to the Canadian economy each year.
In 2017, the RV sector generated an estimated 66,000 jobs and delivered $4.7 billion in added value to the Canadian economy from an initial expenditure of $6.1 billion. 95 percent of RVs sold in Canada are imported from the U.S.
“Our industry, like most in North America, has benefitted from the integrated North American Market that NAFTA has created,” said Lussier. “Major disruptions, such as will be brought by steel and aluminum tariffs, will have serious repercussions for our industry.”
The RVDA has supported the whole of government, multi-partisan approach to NAFTA negotiations. A renewed NAFTA that continues to allow the free flow of goods within North America will provide benefit to all countries, as well as the RV industry, the RVDA of Canada stated.
“While we condemn these unnecessary new tariffs, we hope that the government continues to work towards completing NAFTA negotiations in an expedient matter,” said Lussier. “NAFTA has provided clear benefit to the RV industry, and its continuation is critical for continued growth.”