By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, Jason Epperson of RV Miles discusses how tariffs are likely to impact the RV industry.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) recently released its January survey of manufacturers, and the numbers tell an interesting story. Total RV shipments reached 27,629 units. What’s driving this? It seems like more affordable, towable RVs are leading the charge.
Looking ahead, the RVIA’s spring forecast projects modest growth for 2025. They anticipate wholesale shipments ranging from 333,000 to 366,000 units, with a median of 350,000. That’s a positive bump from previous expectations.
According to RVIA President and CEO Craig Kirby, there’s “cautious optimism” thanks to continued consumer interest in RVing. Reaching that 350,000 mark would mean a 5% increase over 2024. Towable RVs are expected to total 313,000, while motorhomes should gain 5.5% to 36,800 units.
Federal tariffs: A potential roadblock?
Here’s where things get tricky. Federal tariffs are expected to kick in, potentially impacting the RV industry. These tariffs include a 25% tariff on imported products from Mexico and Canada, plus a 10% tariff on products from China.
Think about it: A lot of RV components come from these countries. Plus, Canada is the largest international buyer of U.S.-made RVs. In 2024, the U.S. RV industry shipped 29,489 units to Canada, with an estimated wholesale value of $1.38 billion.
The Trump Administration hopes these tariffs will bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. and serve as a negotiating tool. The RVIA supports protecting American workers but worries about retaliatory tariffs.
“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,” the RVIA said in a statement.
Canada’s CTV reported that some Canadian dealers are already canceling American-made orders because of these tariffs.
Where all this will lead is yet to be determined.
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Thank you for calling attention to this video and summarizing it, Cheri! I guess we’ll have to wait and see what happens with international trade and specifically with the RV industry. Have a great day and safe travels!
Be nice if there were no advertisements in the video. Stopped watching once ad came on.
Hi, mrpavet. All you need to do is put your cursor (or finger) on the bottom of the screen, then move the red dot to the right until the ad is over, then continue watching. Easy.👍 Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
USA tariffs are on products coming into the USA. Canadians dealers must pay any tariffs placed by their own administration, not the USA.
If I did not have an Airstream, I would probably consider a better built Canadian RV.
Trump says that by imposing these tariffs it will stop immigrants and illegal drugs from coming across both borders. How is this going to stop it?
It has nothing to do with creating new jobs here.
Forcing countries to pay more to export products is only going to make everything more expensive for US citizens.
In what is a tariff going to stop this?
In his first term he allowed manufacturers leave the country. He also had/has interest in foreign owned companies.
He’s now added two more potential enemies to list that keeps on growing.
I also wonder how may illegals are working at his estate in Florida and the golf courses, hotels and other interests he owns.
Illegal immigration has already almost stopped, Bob Down 98%, Bob. From 12,000 per day to under 400 per day, Bob. Didn’t even need a new law from congress, Bob.
Keep barking at the moon, Bob. We will fix the country for you but if you have a chance, please ask your fellow dems to stop fire bombing Tesla Dealerships. It is unhelpful and those business owners did nothing wrong.
Given that you have been wrong on everything, why not wait a few months and see how the tarrif issue plays out…. maybe you’ll be wrong on that too and not break your perfect record of 0-74.