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Update on US Tariffs applied to Canadian cabinet manufacturing

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Update on US Tariffs applied to Canadian cabinet manufacturing

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Update on US Tariffs applied to Canadian cabinet manufacturing

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Update on US Tariffs applied to Canadian cabinet manufacturing

Please check this space as we keep you updated.

October 2 2025

CKCA is the National Voice of the Canadian kitchen cabinet industry. We have HEARD from members. We UNDERSTAND the issues. We are taking ACTION. We have three primary goals and encourage ALL members to echo these concerns to your elected officials.

CKCA will provide members with essential advocacy tools to help you reach out to those elected officials. We are speaking to our colleagues at KCMA to seek their support to help address Goal #1 – US  Tariffs on Canadian cabinetry exported to the US. If you have questions, please contact Sandra Wood, Executive Director, CKCA sandra@ckca.ca or 613-493-5858.

CKCA has three primary goals:

  1. We want the tariffs announced by the US Government on September 25th and with the Proclamation issued on September 29th to be dropped on Canadian Cabinetry exported to the US at fair market value. In the letter sent from the American Cabinet Alliance to President Donald Trump,  there was no mention of Canada being a country of concern. See letter here».
  2. We want the Canadian federal government to require that ALL cabinetry going into the homes to be built with taxpayer money as part of the Build Canada Homes initiative are Canadian-made cabinets. See CKCA Press Release September 24th here»
  3. The Canadian cabinet industry welcomes and benefits from a competitive marketplace. However, we call on the Canadian federal government to address the issue of foreign imports entering Canada at below fair market value. This issue is undermining the domestic industry and threatening our livelihoods. See data here»

September 30 2025

We are working hard to keep up with the latest announcements and are very grateful to our partners at CFIB (Canadian Federation of Independent Business) who are providing us with their expertise in interpreting the latest announcements. They share this information with us today:

Overnight, the US released the executive order for the announced tariffs on wood products and their derivatives (kitchen and bathroom cabinets). It’s 10% on wood and 25% on kitchen cabinets and certain upholstered furniture. The rationale is, of course, national security. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/09/adjusting-imports-of-timber-lumber-and-thei…

The EU and Japan will only see a 15% tariff on the products instead of 25 due to already negotiated deals. the UK is TBD but will not exceed 10%. The tariffs kick in on October 14th. As of Jan 1, it appears upholstered wood products will jump to 30% and kitchen cabinets will jump to 50% (clause 5 in the order section).

CFIB will be updating their tariff webpage later today / tomorrow to reflect these changes.

CKCA and CFIB understand that this tariff has the potential to impact many of our members. A couple of things for members to keep in mind:

  1. It is important to communicate with U.S. customers about the likelihood of price increases, since these added costs will likely need to be passed down.
  2. It is also worth emphasizing that these tariffs are being implemented by the U.S. government.

At the same time, CFIB is in the process of collecting data and input for the federal government’s review of CUSMA, which is open for consultation until November 3. CKCA and CFIB are looking to host a Zoom call with members about how tariffs are affecting their businesses, and how CUSMA should be working to shield them from these kinds of measures. CKCA will send the invite to you once we have this arranged.

September 29 2025

CKCA has heard the announcement from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the 50% tariff being applied to kitchen cabinetry entering the US. CKCA recognizes that this will have a devastating impact on our industry. According to StatsCan 2024 data, the Canadian cabinet industry exports approximately $610 million per year to the U.S.. We do not export much to other countries.

The good news is that almost all our U.S. exports to the U.S. are currently duty free. However, the president’s recent announcement raises some concerns. According to our partners at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) they have not yet seen an official executive order from the White House, but the tariff application is still likely to come into effect. So far, there is no mention of exemptions for CUSMA-compliant goods, and it could be treated as another sector-specific tariff (like those on cars or steel/aluminum). CFIB is watching for the executive order this week, but until it is officially published CFIB cautions us to wait to see how  the new tariff will be implemented.

Bottom line, we are in a holding pattern and this will leave many of our members wondering what to expect. For those companies that export to the US,  many exporting upwards of 70-100% of what they manufacture with extensive dealer networks in the U.S.. this tariff will have a devastating impact on business. CKCA will review the tariff relief programs offered by the Federal Government and will advise once we have more information.

CKCA recently announced to members at our National Forum in Kelowna, BC that our organization is advocating for made-in-Canada cabinetry to be included in the government-sponsored housing initiatives for our domestic market.

Please see our press release here».

Please direct all inquiries to:

Sandra Wood

Executive Director

CKCA

sandra@ckca.ca

613-493-5858

Rishelle Tarr

Westwood Cabinetry

Rishelle Tarr is a dedicated operations leader with a strong background in finance, sales, and business development. She joined Westwood Cabinetry in 2018 and currently serves as Director of Business Operations, where she plays a key role in scaling the company’s multi-family and B2B cabinetry channels across Canada. With a career spanning finance and operational strategy, Rishelle brings a process-driven mindset and a passion for growth and innovation to her work. As a new voice in the cabinet manufacturing space, Rishelle offers fresh insight into evolving market trends and the next generation of industry leadership. Rishelle is excited to serve on the CKCA Board of Directors, where she aims to support industry connection, knowledge-sharing, and a strong future for Canadian cabinetry.

Craig Atkinson

Marathon Hardware

Founded in 1990, Marathon began with a simple concept; to provide excellent customer service to the woodworking trade by offering affordable high-quality hardware and the best customer support in the industry. Over the last 30 years, we have been dedicated to our customers by creating a company with these cornerstone ideals. Craig joined Marathon in 2011, taking charge of their technology and web, and later all marketing. With extensive operations from BC to Ontario, Marathon takes pride in building long term relationships with its customers. Craig believes that the mission of the CKCA is in direct relation to Marathon’s approach to doing business. By building working relationships based upon trust and mutual respect, everyone moves forward together.

James Dewinetz headshot

Treasurer

James Dewinetz

CPA, CMA – Pacific Rim Cabinets

James has been around the cabinet industry his whole life, working in factories as a summer job. His father started Pacific Rim Cabinets in 1997 to manufacture custom cabinets solely for export to Japan. Over the years, while Japan remains an integral part of the company’s history and sales, Pacific Rim Cabinets now deals primarily with the custom home builders, designers and architects around Vancouver and the lower mainland of BC manufacturing custom kitchens, bathroom vanities, entertainment units, closets, fireplace surrounds, offices, among others.
James began working at Pacific Rim Cabinets in 2010 as the company’s accountant, he completed his CMA designation in 2012 and became the company’s President in 2018.

James works with the CKCA President and the Executive Director to manage and monitor the CKCA Finances on a regular basis. What’s the biggest advantage to being a member according to James? Click here»

Gerald Van Woundenberg

Van Arbour Design

Gerald is owner of Van Arbour Design based in Vancouver, BC. In business for more than 34 years, Gerald is a first generation Canadian with Dutch roots. Gerald loves building and knowing how something works. He is committed to change in an ever changing world and always looks for the best and most effective ways to do things. Gerald’s business is intensively client-driven: quality first, with integrity and honesty and transparency in the process. Gerald has been a presenter at the CKCA National Forum and is now pleased to be a member of the Board of Directors.

What’s the biggest advantage to being a member according to Gerald?
Click here »

Chris Havey

CNC Automation

Chris joined CNC Automation in March 2022 after 19 years at Deslaurier Custom Cabinets where he was a member of the senior leadership group and held the role of manager of supply chain and new product introduction (NPI). As a seasoned operations and supply chain professional, Chris brings tremendous insight and knowledge, both from the viewpoint of a manufacturer and now as a supplier. Chris is results-driven and prides himself on his work. He loves this industry and approaches it with passion and vigor. It is the same passion that has driven Chris to want to be on the CKCA Board of Directors. Chris was elected to the Board on June 15, 2023 to serve his first 3 year term. What’s the biggest advantage to being a member according to Chris? Click here»

James Mckenna

Glenwood Kitchen

James McKenna graduated with a business degree from Saint Francis Xavier University. After working in the natural gas industry in Toronto, James returned home to run the new family business Glenwood Kitchen Ltd.

Glenwood manufactures custom cabinetry and has been in business for 50 years. Mr. McKenna was finalist for Entrepreneur of the year award with Ernst & Young and his company has won the Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award.

James volunteers with numerous charities and was awarded the Paul Harris fellowship award. Recently, he was recognized by Junior Achievement as volunteer of the year and by NB literacy coalition for his corporate responsibility

Rick Hurst

Richelieu Hardware

Rick has more than 45 years of industry experience and has been an active voice and advocate for the evolution of kitchen cabinets in the Canadian market. From the euro conversion of cabinets replacing face frames to the various evolution of drawers, hinges, lighting, accessories, and motion technology, Rick has seen and also led a lot of the big events that drive consumer demand and have pushed the industry in an upscale direction. Himself a passionate woodworker with his own home workshop, Rick offers the unique skill combination of understanding the industry and cabinetry from sales to design to innovation, right down to the nuts and bolts of making a cabinet hardware solution work.

Rick was previously a member of the CKCA board for 27 years, serving on all CKCA committees during his tenure. Rich has also served as a board member of AWMAC (approximately 10 years) and the NKBA (approximately 5 years) as well as 10 years in his homeowner’s association, including 3 as president. 

Craig Bauslaugh

Columbia Cabinets

Craig Bauslaugh is the Chief Improvement Officer at Columbia Cabinets, a Canadian cabinet manufacturer, with 170 production staff. He studied Arts at Laurentian University, where he competed on the varsity basketball team, demonstrating a strong commitment to teamwork and high performance. Craig earned his Lean Six Sigma Black Belt from Purdue University and is currently expanding his leadership skills through executive education at Stanford University. He designs and manages programs that enhance operational efficiency and consistency, while leading process improvement, production optimization, and cross-functional initiatives aligned with the company’s strategic vision. Craig also delivers Lean and continuous improvement training to management teams at all levels, and is passionate about building dynamic teams and fostering a culture of continuous growth.

Trevor Chaulk

Chaulk Woodworking

Trevor has been in the trades for more than 26 years, starting off with 10 years in the tool and die industry in the Toronto area.  After moving to Haliburton Highlands, Ontario in 2007, he started a small cabinetry company.  Since then, they have grown to be the largest cabinetry shop in their local area.  Trevor and his wife Angela understand the dynamics of starting, building and running a cabinetry shop in today’s time, while raising three children.  He has always had a passion for woodworking, designing and building things.  After joining the CKCA as a member in 2016, he was enthusiastic about what they were doing and had to offer.  Trevor has a keen interest in seeing the Canadian cabinetry and manufacturing industry learn, grow and thrive.  What’s the biggest advantage to CKCA membership according to Trevor? Check it out here»

Giuseppe Castrucci

Laurysen Kitchens

Giuseppe is Past Vice-President of Marketing & Sales at Laurysen Kitchens in Ottawa. Giuseppe’s wife, Caroline Castrucci  previously served on the CKCA Board and served as President of CKCA. Laurysen Kitchens was established in 1970 and began as a business operating out of the garage of John Laurysen with just 1,200 square feet. With more than 55,000 square feet of manufacturing space this family run business continues to thrive and a third generation is now very actively involved in the business. Giuseppe brings a wealth of experience having served on various Boards over the years including currently President of the Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association, Chairman of the Kitchen & Bath Program at Algonquin College Business Advisory Board, Chair of the Design Excellence Awards Committee for NKBA Ottawa. Giuseppe has a passion for cars and is also Chairman of the FCA Ottawa Ferrari Festival. He was Knighted by the Royal House of Savoia Charity and also by the Ethiopian Order of the Lion Charity.

What’s the biggest advantage of being a CKCA member according to Giuseppe? Read here»

Joerg Brauns

2020

Joerg Brauns is part of the Manufacturing Team at 2020. In 2001, Joerg moved to Canada to open an office for a Germany Software Company. Acquired by 2020 Technologies in 2005, Joerg held several leadership positions at 2020. With over 20 years of experience in the woodworking industry around the world, Joerg has managed ERP implementations and led a team of professional engineers and consultants, before managing new and existing manufacturing accounts around the world. Joerg is also a member of 2020’s worldwide Factory leadership team.

He is a strong believer that the collaboration between like-minded people will allow all of us to grow.

What’s the biggest advantage to being a member according to Jeorg?
Click here »

 

Sandra Wood headshot

Secretary and Executive Director

Sandra Wood

CMP

Sandra has worked in the not-for-profit sector for more than 30 years. Having worked for many different associations in education, medical and now wood sector. Sandra brings a universal perspective based on hands-on experience.  She is passionate about not-for-profits because they work to support their members and the industry. Sandra enjoys “connecting the dots” and facilitating strong networking opportunities to engage members. She believes Associations are about fostering strong business relationships fueled by an empathic and sound business approach. She is an experienced public speaker, writer and has served on various Boards as a Director. She brings a well rounded perspective to CKCA.

Pete Fournier headshot

Past-President

Pete Fournier

Triangle Kitchen

Pete is an experienced entrepreneur – he started his first company at the age of 19 and has held a managerial role for 20 years.  After finishing his degree in Wood Products Processing at the University of British Columbia, he joined the Triangle Group in 2000, where they currently employ more than 100 staff.  Pete is responsible for all aspects and functions of new business development, product development, facility expansion and new markets. Pete previously served as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Wood Manufacturing Council, was President of the Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association and is also an independent Board Member for a private Nano technology company called Metamaterials Technologies Inc.

What’s the biggest advantage to being a member according to Pete? Click here »

Vice-President

Luke Elias

Muskoka Cabinet Company

Luke has been in the industry for more than 30 years and only loves his family more than his pursuit of advancing technology in business.  Luke is passionate about technology in manufacturing and in 1989 started implementing computer hardware and software to improve office to shop communications. Early on Luke invested in cutting and optimization software and invested in a a Nested Based Manufacturing in 2000.  Today Luke is co-founder of SMARTMRP Inc. an ERP/MES automation software specifically designed for the woodworking industry. With SMART at its core, Muskoka boasts one of the most advanced panel processing cells in the world, utilizing Robotics, RFID, ERP and an AGV, for machining, sorting, labeling, transporting and tracking parts. These innovations have resulted in Muskoka having output three times the industry average. Luke believes the key to survival and growth is through integration of processes and automated sharing of information within the organization.

President

Amrita Bhogal

Sunrise Kitchens

Amrita is an enthusiastic HR professional whose focus is to elevate people’s mindset and coach them to live a continuous improvement lifestyle. She has always had an entrepreneurial mindset and turned her passion for helping people into a pursuit of Human Recources in University. Nine months into her career she was introduced to the principles of Kaizen and since then adopted these principles in her life. Presently she is educating the workforce at Sunrise Kitchens on learning to use Kaizen principles in daily tasks at work and at home. Amrita has been a Board member on the Surrey Board of Trade in BC and is a recipient of the Wood Manufacturing Council’s HR Award for Innovation 2020 and has spoken at numerous CKCA events and continues to write and publish articles in CKCA newsletters and other media. 
What’s the biggest advantage to being a member according to Amrita? Click here»