Canadians are preparing for significant increases in prices for American goods as a result of counter-tariffs, affecting items like aluminum, toilet paper, furniture, and even the semi-trailers used to transport these goods. Ocean Trailer, the largest semi-trailer retailer in Western Canada, is facing a $45 million order for 600 trailers from the U.S. The company is expediting the delivery of as many trailers as possible before a 25% Canadian counter-tariff on trailers and various other products takes effect.
Mack Keay, Ocean Trailer’s chief operating officer, mentioned that the additional 25% cost surpasses their profit margin on a trailer, forcing them to pass on the cost to customers. The Canadian government’s retaliatory measures will impact $27.6 billion worth of U.S. goods in response to recent tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
Ocean Trailer and other trucking companies are concerned about the financial implications of the counter-tariffs. The Manitoba Trucking Association highlighted that most semi-trailers in Canada come from the U.S., and businesses are rushing to import goods before the tariffs are enforced.
The industry is on edge as the cost of trailers, averaging around $75,000, could rise to approximately $95,000 with the 25% tariff. The shortage of trailers may lead to increased demand and costs, affecting the transportation of consumer goods. The uncertainty regarding the duration of the tariff war raises concerns about potential bankruptcies within the trucking sector and beyond.