Canadian RV Shipments Decline 14.7% in Q2 Amid Trade Policy Uncertainty
Canadian RV wholesale shipments fell significantly in Q2 2025 due to trade policy timing effects, highlighting the need for stable North American trade conditions to support the $16.1 billion industry.
The Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association reported a 14.7% decline in RV wholesale shipments to Canada for the second quarter of 2025, with total units dropping to 7,867 from 9,221 in the same period last year. The decrease was primarily driven by order timing effects and temporary counter-tariffs on motorhomes that have since been lifted.
Despite the quarterly decline, year-to-date wholesale shipments as of June 30 stand at 17,852 units, representing a 3.2% increase from the same period in 2024. Retail sales reached 13,129 units in the quarter, resulting in a significant drawdown of dealer inventories, particularly in the motorized segment.
Shane Devenish, President of CRVA, emphasized that "Canadian consumers remain engaged, but Q2 was shaped by policy timing rather than demand." Many Canadian RV dealers pulled forward Q1 orders to get ahead of proposed countermeasure tariffs announced by the federal government, boosting first-quarter wholesale activity and setting up a softer Q2.
The association reiterated its call for tariff-free, reciprocal trade across North America, citing that current U.S. tariff policies on Canadian-built units continue to create uncertainty and unfair disadvantages for Canadian manufacturers exporting to the United States. Canada has eliminated tariffs on RVs arriving from the U.S., creating an imbalanced trade environment.
The RV industry supports campgrounds, dealers, service technicians, suppliers, and tourism businesses in every province and territory. With over 2.1 million Canadian households owning an RV, this form of 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 industry's stability is crucial for supporting tourism and outdoor economies that RVing sustains in communities across both Canada and the United States.