Update on US Tariffs applied to Canadian cabinet manufacturing

Media Requests:

If you are looking for comments and input from CKCA,  please contact Sandra Wood, Executive Director, CKCA sandra@ckca.ca or 613-493-5858. We can put you in touch with our spokesperson.

Tariff Relief and other help:

There is economic support available for Canadian businesses and workers directly impacted by US tariffs. Please check U.S. Tariff Support for Canadian businesses and workers – Canada.ca

CKCA members are also members of CFIB (Canadian Federation of Independent Business). While we are working to get clarification on what components are impacted by these tariffs, please feel free to call CFIB’s help line at 1-888-234-2232, they may be able to assist individual companies.

Updates:

October 27 2025

President Trump announced an additional 10% tariff in response to a media campaign created by the Ontario Government that placed ads on US TV targeting tariffs using video footage and words spoken by former US President, Ronald Reagan. While these ads were removed, we have not heard if this additional tariff threat will come into effect. Currently there has not been an Executive Order that confirms application of these tariffs. We will post an update when more information becomes available.

CKCA Policy Issues:

US Tariffs on Canadian built kitchen cabinet went into effect on October 14, 2025. The industry is still adjusting to these new rules and clarity around how tariffs get applied are still being clarified. We are aware that millwork is not affected by these tariffs, but encourage you to please check with your customs brokers to confirm these details due to the ruling of “components”. Labelling of materials will be extremely important. Many manufacturers provide both cabinetry and millwork to their US clients. The US tariffs are placing tremendous strain on those companies who export to the US and the long term impact will affect the entire Canadian industry. CKCA is working hard on this issue. We have heard from members, we understand what is at stake and the urgency of this situation.  We are taking action and have identified three policy issues we are pursuing.

 

  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 call on Government to require that any business receiving government funding, subsidies, or incentives within the building and construction sectors must source cabinetry products “Made in Canada” as a condition of eligibility. Specifically, CKCA requests that the federal, provincial, and municipal government housing initiatives be required to source its cabinetry from Canadian companies where the products are manufactured in Canada. We are looking at programs such as Build Canada Homes initiative. See CKCA Press Release September 24th here»
  3. The Canadian cabinet industry welcomes and benefits from a competitive marketplace. 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»

In addition, please note that the Government of Canada, through CMHC has now released their Housing Catalogue and designs can be found here»

Consultations are now open for the Buy Canadian Policy under the Government of Canada’s department of Public Services and Procurement and we will be participating in those consultations.

Background:

“Except as otherwise provided in this proclamation, imports of kitchen cabinets and vanities, as listed in Annex I to this proclamation, will be subject to a 25 percent ad valorem duty rate.  This duty shall apply to completed kitchen cabinets and vanities as well as parts imported for use in kitchen cabinets and vanities.”

“Effective January 1, 2026, the duty rate in clause 2 shall increase to 30 percent and the duty rate in clause 3 shall increase to 50 percent, and shall continue in effect, except for countries with which the United States reaches an agreement that addresses the threatened impairment of the national security posed by imports of wood products.  Except as otherwise provided in this proclamation, the tariffs imposed in this proclamation are in addition to any other duties, taxes, fees, exactions, and charges applicable to such imported wood products.”

  • The EU and Japan will only see a 15% tariff on the products instead of 25 due to already negotiated deals. The UK will not exceed 10%. Tariffs took effect October 14th. As of Jan 1 2026  upholstered wood products will jump to 30% and kitchen cabinets will jump to 50% (clause 5 in the order section).
  • CFIB also has a tariff webpage should you wish to refer.
  • Please note that these tariffs are being implemented by the U.S. government.
  • CUSMA consultations are open until November 3.
  • 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.
  • We estimate 20-30% of the industry is directly impacted by these tariffs because they export some portion of their cabinetry to the US.
  • Tariff relief programs are in effect, however, some of these come with very specific conditions. Please see the Pivot to Grow program offered through BDC here» 
  • 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

CKCA Wants Government to Buy from Canadian Cabinet Manufacturers

PRESS RELEASE

September 24, 2025 

Kitchen cabinet manufacturers call on PM Carney to ensure Canadian companies are “at the centre of national housing initiative”

September 24, 2025 / Kelowna, BC — The Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association (CKCA) is calling on Prime Minister Mark Carney to ensure the federal government will consider the Canadian cabinetry manufacturers in the federal government’s national housing initiative. The CKCA Board of Directors moved a motion relating to the federal government procurement process at its national forum in Kelowna B.C.

CKCA Board moved: “Any business receiving government funding, subsidies, or incentives within the building and construction sectors must be required to source cabinetry products “Made in Canada” as a condition of eligibility. Specifically, CKCA requests that the federal, provincial, and municipal government housing initiatives be required to source its cabinetry from Canadian companies where the products are manufactured in Canada.”

Luke Elias, CKCA Vice-President stated, “Building more homes and other infrastructure has become increasingly important in the country. We urge the Prime Minister to ensure Canadian manufacturers and builders are the driving force behind Canada’s housing program. The procurement process should require Canadian companies be considered first where the products are manufactured in Canada.”

“Let’s ensure Canadian companies are at the centre of the national housing initiative. This will help to keep taxpayers’ money in the country and support our economy and our communities knowing that manufacturing is the economic engine of Canada,” commented Elias.

The Canadian kitchen cabinet manufacturers are a significant part of the country’s economy. They employ more than 25,000, generate more than $4.7 billion in annual revenue, and have been manufacturing in Canada for more than 50 years. The workforce is highly skilled, producing quality, functional spaces that turn houses into homes. Many cabinetry companies are family-run, generational businesses. This fact carries a unique sense of pride, ownership and longevity to continue the legacies started by the original owners many of whom came from other countries choosing to settle and build their lives and successful businesses in Canada.

Learn more with this short video: We Build In Canada!

The Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association (CKCA), established in 1968, is a national trade association representing the kitchen cabinet industry in Canada. CKCA works to inspire progress and innovation in the industry, by promoting excellence, facilitating continuous improvement and working to ensure high standards for design and manufacturing are upheld.

Benefits of Buying Canadian Made – Watch our Video here»

For more information:

Sandra Wood, CKCA Executive Director

sandra@ckca.ca 613-493-5858

 

HOUSING STATEMENT BACKGROUNDER

Canadian-Made Kitchen Cabinets for Canada’s National Housing Program

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a bold new initiative to address Canada’s housing crisis.

The federal government has a goal of more than doubling the number of housing construction starts per year from 245,367 in 2024 (CMHC) to 500,000 houses annually for the next five years. The Prime Minister has pledged that Canadian industries will be the driving force behind this achievement.

CKCA would like to see clear procurement policies that will ensure Canadian industries are at the centre of the national housing initiative.

There is a need for a strong procurement policy. This policy should underline that any Canadian business receiving government subsidies or incentives within the building and construction sectors must be required to source Canadian-made products as a condition of eligibility.

Specifically with respect to cabinetry, CKCA requests that the federal housing program be required to source its cabinetry from Canadian companies where the products are manufactured in Canada.

Let’s have Canadian-built kitchen cabinets in our Canadian-built homes

At the Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association (CKCA) national forum September 23-25 Kelowna, BC, the Board of Directors passed the following motion:

Any business receiving government funding, subsidies, or incentives within the building and construction sectors must be required to source cabinetry products “Made in Canada” as a condition of eligibility.

 Specifically, CKCA requests that the federal, provincial, and municipal government housing initiatives be required to source its cabinetry from Canadian companies where the products are manufactured in Canada

 * Made in Canada is defined as interpreted by the guidelines set out by the Competition Bureau of Canada

For more information:

Sandra Wood, CKCA Executive Director

sandra@ckca.ca

613-493-5858

Woodlore hosts Pierre Poillievre, MP

CKCA is pleased to share a good news story about one of our members, Woodlore. They got the attention of some important politicians recently and we hope to see more companies hosting political representatives. The kitchen cabinet industry generates $4.7billion in annual revenue and employs more than 25,000 individuals across Canada. We are in many communities, contributing to a local economies and we are also an integral part of the Canadian economy. Ensuring that Canadian manufacturing continues to thrive is important to us because we know the positive impact we have on Canadians jobs, communities and our economy.

“Woodlore has been trying to get government officials in here to show our capabilities and how we are a proud Canadian manufacturer.” says VP Operations & Business Development at Woodlore, located in Brampton, ON.

“We were pleased to host Pierre Poilievre, MP at our facility to provide a firsthand look at our operations, our team, and the value we bring to both the Canadian economy and our local community.”

“We have also welcomed several other officials in the past, including our local MP, Maninder Sidhu, who have taken the time to see the work we are doing here. Each visit is an opportunity to showcase our commitment to Canadian manufacturing, job creation, and innovation, while also sharing some of the challenges our industry faces and the support we need to remain competitive on a global scale.”

CKCA congratulates Woodlore for bringing elected officials into their plant. As we continue to advocate for our Canadian industry it’s important that politicians are aware of the many industries that are operating across the country. There is a diverse range of manufacturing industries in Canada. Recent trade wars and the dumping of cheap foreign cabinet imports into Canada only serve to hurt the domestic industry. Our industry complies with high employment and environmental standards. Our service levels and quality of what we produce is superior. We want Canadians to buy Canadian made cabinetry.

Please visit the CKCA Top Reasons to Buy Canadian Made page.

Local MeetUps – Nova Scotia

CKCA Local MeetUps – Nova Scotia – Northfield

Here’s what we’ve lined up so far for Nova Scotia this year and watch this space for future events!

Thanks to our MeetUp Champion for hosting!

 

 

Thanks to our Sponsor!

 

 

Share the news with others in the kitchen cabinet industry. Share this flyer.

Date/Location:

May 28, 2025 – P&L Furniture ( 1761 Northfield Road, Northfield, NS):

Registration here»

Agenda:

  • 4:30 – 4:45 PM – Introductions and Welcome from CKCA, P&L Furniture, Future Doors
  • 4:45 PM – Tour at P&L Furniture
  • 5:30 – 6:30 PM – Themed discussion (Topic: Achieving Formaldehyde Free in Finishing – Presented by Edwin Dueck, P&L Furniture and McFaddens (Alcea Dealer) in Dartmouth. 
  • 6:30 PM – Enjoy some food & refreshments 
  • 6:00 – 8:00 PM – Discussions and networking.

Local MeetUps – Ontario

CKCA Local MeetUps – Ontario – Mississauga

Here’s what we’ve lined up so far for Ontario this year and watch this space for future events!

Thanks to our MeetUp Champions for hosting!

Our next MeetUp is scheduled for June 2025.

Details (topic/location) to follow.

 

March 6, 2025 – Marathon Hardware :

Thank you for hosting this event and to those who came out to connect with others in the industry!

Marathon Hardware – Mississauga – March 6, 2025

 

 

CKCA Local MeetUp  2024 – Ontario – Our first Ontario Local MeetUp was a hit!

Oakville, ON – June 13, 2024

We welcomed over 30 attendees to a local meetup at Woodoer in Oakville on June 13, 2024. We received great feedback that the event was worthwhile and lots of valuable conversations were had.

Here’s what local meetup champion, Alain Albert of Wooder had to say:

“It aligns with our commitment to fostering community and collaboration within the industry. A meetup provides a platform for sharing knowledge, networking and discussing industry trends and challenges. We believe that coming together helps drive innovation and growth for everyone.”

These local gatherings are a way to connect industry for a few hours in a geographic area that is easy to reach. We plan to do more of these in Ontario. If you would like a meetup in your area, be sure to contact sandra@ckca.ca.

Thanks to our MeetUp Sponsor:

Thanks to our CKCA Local MeetUp Champion – Woodoer

 

 

Agenda:

  • 4:30 – 4:45 PM – Introductions and Welcome from CKCA, Woodoer and CNC Automation
  • 4:45 PM – Tour at Woodoer
  • 5:30 – 6:30 PM – Themed discussion (Topic: Changing the layout of your shop – Presented by Alain Albert at Woodoer who has just gone through this process!).
  • 6:30 PM – Enjoy some food & refreshments 
  • 6:00 – 8:00 PM – Roundtable discussions and  networking

 

Cripps and Sons is not deterred but determined!

We were pleased to see a social media post by CKCA member Cripps and Sons of Waugh’s River, Nova Scotia about a meeting they had with their provincial Premier. They got our attention as we continue to encourage our industry to reach out to your political representatives on matters impacting your business. We spoke with Margaret Cripps about what her company did and she was pleased to allow us to share this inspiring story with you.

This small business in the heart of Nova Scotia is a shining example of innovation and determination and we commend them for their passion and commitment to their business. There are so many businesses in Canada like Cripps and Sons and this is why we are also passionate about speaking up on behalf of our members and it’s also why CKCA partners with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. Small business is the backbone of the Canadian economy and we encourage consumers to buy from Canadian kitchen cabinet manufacturers. It is not easy running a small business these days, there are many issues facing the industry including labour shortages, technology affordability, trade and competitiveness plus small business must deal with a lot of regulation at all levels of Government. It’s encouraging to see a small company not deterred, but rather determined!

Enough from us, over to you Margaret:

Over the course of the last few months Cripps and Sons has been working with a Gov’t employee through Invest NS to nail down some rebate programs we’re eligible for our operation. As I’m sure many are aware, anything like this comes with a decent amount of paperwork. We worked diligently to get our documentation all in a row to then find out that other larger multinational corporations had successfully gobbled up all the majority of finances without giving small NS businesses a fair opportunity. Although there are no stipulations against this for the multinational corps, it made no sense why the NS Gov’t would put $millions on the table to feed out-of-province based businesses. Don’t get us wrong, there is still a lot of job creation provided by some of these outfits and there should be equal chance. We’ve also been working to sort out paperwork to bring in overseas employees to help with the lack of skilled workers in our area. Through this process we were blindsided by some major setbacks, only to find out that as much effort as we were putting into it all, there was no municipal rep to help us. We had to track down a rep from a neighbouring municipality to give us some direction. We’ve been slightly disappointed by the turns these had taken but persevered through it all, but not as upset as our rep who had spent a lot of time and effort to help lots of small businesses who are all in the same boat.

We have an awesome relationship with this rep, so we all decided we get some officials involved to get some insight into this and make them aware of the downfall of the programs and the lack of representation.

At the first meeting, on the Tuesday, we had Tom Taggart, our MLA, and Mike Gregory, our local councillor visit our workshop. We’ve worked with Tom in the past and Mike is a great local rep who loves innovation and rural NS. Tom has a background in the woodworking industry and was taken back by what we’re striving for and where we’re hoping to go. As Tom was on the road with Tim the coming Friday, he wanted to make sure we addressed to the Premier the issues we were having and to take a look at what rural NS has to offer. As a side note – we’re working on a project in Tim’s neighbourhood and he had been told by a friend, the contractor, that if he’s visiting our area,  he must stop in to see us. Tim mentioned we were on his list of places to visit in our area before our MLA told him they were coming here – kinda cool!

During the Premier’s visit we gave him a first hand look around the shop and showed him some of our unique equipment including a prototype fastener insertion machine, currently the only one in the world, the only edgebander east of Toronto with a specific patented technology, and showed Tim what makes our cabinets just a little different. We were able to show him the pride we have in our family-run operation, the quality of the work that comes from our building as well as the dedication and innovation that drives rural NS businesses. As two of the youngest Red Seal Cabinetmakers in Nova Scotia we explained  how we’re working closely with Apprenticeship NS to help create a cabinetmaker apprenticeship and discussed the number of NSCC Cabinetmaker students we offer work placements to in order to encourage young people in the trade. We were able to have a great chat about the issues we’ve been having, not only as a rural cabinetmaking business but also as a generic small business in NS. We discussed program changes and other options that would create an equilibrium of all businesses within our province.

Whether some of this comes to fruition is unknown, but having the opportunity to have an honest and open discussion with the Premier about some programs that, when slightly altered, could make a massive impact on the effectiveness of the outcome for many small businesses in NS,  the Premier was genuinely impressed by what we have in our hands and we’re hoping that the ripple effect will be greater spread around the province. We didn’t realise this would get the massive amount of publicity it’s turned in to, but would definitely recommend inviting or meeting local politicians so they can see and hear our industry concerns first hand.

One thing we must remember is that we’re a huge part of the building sector. With the rising population around the country, the only way people are going to have their homes filled with cabinetry is to recognise the people behind that part of the process. All of us. Being able to harness programs put in place for Canadian businesses to succeed allows us all, coast to coast, to work together to create a level of quality known as purely Canadian.

Margaret – we couldn’t have said it any better than you. Well done to Cripps and Sons for your work in this area. You are inspiring and we look forward to hearing how this evolves in the future. It is a great example of what a tour of a shop can accomplish. Many people do not know much about the cabinet industry, so that’s why we encourage companies to send out those invites and help your politicians at all levels better understand what you do, how you do it and why you need their support through policy and process.

Note:  CKCA members can access the CKCA Advocacy Kit. This kit contains important industry data that you can share with your guests that further explains what our industry is all about. This tool was created by industry for industry to use. Reach out to us at info@ckca.ca if you would like more information and to receive this free kit.