Canadians are preparing for significant impacts from counter-tariffs, with prices set to increase on various American products, including aluminum, toilet paper, and furniture. The effects will also be felt on the semi-trailers used to transport these goods across Canada.
Ocean Trailer, the primary semi-trailer retailer in Western Canada, is currently awaiting a $45 million order for 600 trailers from U.S. manufacturers. The company is expediting the process to bring in as many trailers as possible before a 25% Canadian counter-tariff on trailers and other items comes into effect.
Mack Keay, Ocean Trailer’s chief operating officer, mentioned that the additional cost of the tariff, exceeding their profit margin on trailers, will be passed on to customers. The federal government is implementing dollar-for-dollar countermeasures on $27.6 billion worth of U.S. goods in response to recent tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
Keay indicated that Ocean Trailer might be able to cancel some parts of the order, but any trailers already in production in the U.S. will need to be absorbed. The industry is concerned about the impact, with many businesses trying to expedite shipments before the tariffs take effect.
The Manitoba Trucking Association highlighted the significant reliance on U.S. semi-trailers in Canada and expressed worries about the increased costs due to the counter-tariffs. The industry faces challenges as the demand for trailers surges, potentially leading to shortages and higher prices for consumer goods.