Canadian RV Shipments Decline 14.7% in Q2 2025 Amid Trade Policy Impacts

The Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association reported that RV wholesale shipments to Canada for the second quarter of 2025 totaled 7,867 units, representing a 14.7% decrease from the 9,221 units recorded in Q2 2024. According to Statistical Surveys data via the RVDA of Canada, retail sales reached 13,129 units during the quarter, resulting in a significant drawdown of dealer inventories, particularly in the motorized segment. Despite the quarterly pullback, year-to-date wholesale shipments as of June 30 stand at 17,852 units, showing a 3.2% increase from the 17,307 units recorded during the same period in 2024.

The quarterly decline was primarily driven by two key factors: order timing effects and counter-tariff impacts. Many Canadian RV dealers pulled forward Q1 orders to get ahead of proposed countermeasure tariffs announced by the federal government, which boosted first-quarter wholesale activity and set up a softer Q2 performance. Additionally, Canada's counter-tariffs on motorhomes were in place from April through June, weighing more heavily on motorized shipments and deepening 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, emphasized that the data reveals Canadian consumers remain engaged despite the wholesale decline, noting that retail sales outpaced wholesale while dealer inventories liquidated, especially in motorized units. The RV industry requires stable, reciprocal trade conditions to support dealers, manufacturers, and customers moving forward. CRVA reiterated its long-standing position that tariff-free, reciprocal trade across North America is essential for a healthy RV ecosystem. Current U.S. tariff policies on Canadian-built units continue to create uncertainty and unfair disadvantages for Canadian manufacturers exporting to the United States, while Canada has eliminated tariffs on RVs arriving from the U.S.

The importance of the RV industry extends beyond manufacturing and sales, supporting campgrounds, dealers, service technicians, suppliers, and tourism businesses in every province and territory. With over 2.1 million Canadian households owning an RV, RV travel represents one of the most affordable ways to explore the country, often costing up to 50% less than traditional fly-and-stay vacations. According to a 2023 economic impact summary, the Canadian RV industry contributes $16.1 billion to Canada's GDP, generates $7.6 billion in taxes, and employs 141,000 Canadians. The growing preference for domestic RV travel underscores both the affordability of the lifestyle and the vital role the industry plays in supporting tourism and local economies nationwide.