Canadian RV Shipments Decline 14.7% in Q2 Amid Trade Policy Uncertainty
TL;DR
Canadian RV dealers can leverage tariff-free conditions to gain market advantage as retail demand outpaces supply and inventories deplete.
Q2 2025 wholesale shipments decreased 14.7% due to pulled-forward Q1 orders and temporary counter-tariffs, while year-to-date shipments increased 3.2%.
RV travel supports 141,000 Canadian jobs and affordable domestic tourism, costing up to 50% less than traditional vacations while boosting local economies.
The RV industry contributes $16.1 billion to Canada's GDP with over 2.1 million households owning RVs for exploration and adventure.
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The Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association reported a 14.7% decrease in RV wholesale shipments to Canada for the second quarter of 2025, with 7,867 units compared to 9,221 units in the same period last year. Despite this quarterly decline, year-to-date shipments through June 30 show a 3.2% increase to 17,852 units from 17,307 in 2024.
Retail sales data from Statistical Surveys via the RVDA of Canada revealed strong consumer demand with 13,129 units sold in the quarter, leading to significant drawdown of dealer inventories, particularly in the motorized segment. The quarterly decline was primarily driven by order timing effects, as many Canadian dealers pulled forward Q1 orders to anticipate proposed countermeasure tariffs announced by the federal government.
Canada's counter-tariffs on motorhomes were in effect from April through June, disproportionately affecting motorized shipments and contributing to the year-over-year decline in that segment. These countermeasures have since been lifted, and Canada currently applies no tariffs on RVs imported from the United States.
Shane Devenish, President of CRVA, stated that the data indicates Canadian consumers remain engaged, but Q2 performance was shaped by policy timing rather than demand fundamentals. The association reiterated its call for tariff-free, reciprocal trade across North America, emphasizing that current U.S. tariff policies on Canadian-built units create uncertainty and unfair disadvantages for Canadian manufacturers exporting south of the border.
The RV industry represents a significant economic force in Canada, contributing $16.1 billion to the nation's GDP and $7.6 billion in taxes while employing 141,000 Canadians according to a 2023 economic impact summary. With over 2.1 million Canadian households owning an RV, this form of travel provides an affordable vacation option, often costing up to 50% less than traditional fly-and-stay vacations.
The industry supports campgrounds, dealers, service technicians, suppliers, and tourism businesses across all provinces and territories. Recent surveys indicate nearly two-thirds of Canadian vacationers plan to stay within the country, with growing numbers choosing RVs as their preferred travel method, underscoring the sector's importance to domestic tourism and local economies nationwide.
Curated from PR Karma
