Gov’t announces 25% provisional tariff on imports of wood cabinets and vanities into Canada

CKCA is encouraged by the recent announcement by the Federal Government to impose provisional tariffs on imports of wood cabinet and vanities. As a member of the Canadian Wood Products Alliance (CWPA) we are pleased to see the Government take decisive action to protect our industry while investigations by the Canadian International Trade Tribunal in response to the Safeguard the CWPA submitted to the Minister of Finance earlier this year.

Details to how the Safeguard will be applied through Canada Border Services Agency: Customs Notice 26-17: Certain Wood Cabinet and Vanity Goods Surtax Order

 

CKCA Press Release

Canada imposes provisional safeguard tariff on imports of wood cabinets and vanities to protect Canadian manufacturers and workers – Canada.ca

 

CKCA Announces 2026/2027 Board of Directors

 CKCA Members Elect 2026/2027 Board of Directors

The Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association held their 2026 Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 18 at 1pm (ET) via Zoom.

Members voted to elect two candidates to the Board of Directors for 2026/2027. Immediately following the Annual Meeting, the newly elected and Board then appointed the Executive Officers who’s terms were up for renewal.  We are pleased to provide the following update:

Executive:

As Directors, these representatives also hold executive officer roles.

Luke Elias, Muskoka Cabinet Company –  President (Continues second term as Director and first year of a two-year term as President)

 Rishelle Tarr, Westwood Fine Cabinetry –  Vice-President (Continues first term as Director and first year of a two-year term as Vice-President)

Craig Atkinson, Marathon Hardware – Treasurer (Continues second term as Director and second year of a 3-year term as Treasurer)

 Amrita Bhogal, Sunrise Kitchens –  Past-President (Continues second term as Director and first year of a two-year term as Past President)

 Sandra Wood, CKCA Staff  –  Secretary (Annual appointment)

Directors:

Terms of office are 3 years and may run for 3 consecutive terms.

Corey Laurysen, Laurysen Kitchens – Director (Newly elected, begins first term)

Pete Fournier, Triangle Kitchen –  Director (Continues third term)

Rick Hurst, Richelieu Hardware – Director (Continues first term)

James McKenna, Glenwood Kitchen – Director (Continues first term)

Trevor Chaulk, Chaulk Woodworking – Director (Continues second term)

 Craig Bauslaugh, Columbia Kitchens – Director (Continues first term)

Joerg Brauns, Cyncly – Director (Continues second term)

Chris Havey, CNC Automation – Director (Continues second term)

Gerald Van Woudenberg, Van Arbour Design – Director (Continues third term)

CKCA would also like to acknowledge and sincerely thank departing Board member Giuseppe Castrucci, Laurysen Kitchens who served for 5 years. Through his dedicated support, CKCA has been able to grow and evolve by delivering more programs and services to the membership.

Link to Board members photos and bios can be found here.

CKCA President, Luke Elias says:

 “I am honoured to serve as President of the Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association at a pivotal time for our industry. Canadian manufacturers are facing significant challenges, but also tremendous opportunities to strengthen our position, grow our influence, and showcase the innovation and craftsmanship that define this sector. Over the next two years, my focus will be on expanding our membership, strengthening our voice with government, increasing engagement across our committees and membership, and ensuring the association remains strong for future generations. We have built remarkable momentum in recent years, and I believe the best days for CKCA are still ahead. I look forward to working alongside our board, Executive Director Sandra Wood, and members across the country to continue building a stronger, more connected, and more influential association”

The CKCA National Forum will be held October 5– 8, in Quebec. Registration opens this summer.

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.

For more information:

Sandra Wood, CKCA Executive Director

613-493-5858

sandra@ckca.ca

 

CKCA appears at Senate of Canada Parliamentary Committee

Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade (AEFA)
Study on CUSMA and Canada’s Trade Relationships with the United States and Mexico
June 10, 2026

You can watch the CKCA presentation here»

Opening Remarks by: Sandra Wood, Executive Director, Canadian Kitchen Cabinet
Association

Chair, Honourable Senators,

Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today.

The Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association represents manufacturers across Canada that produce kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and related products. Our members are primarily small and medium-sized businesses operating in communities across the country. Together, the sector supports more than 25,000 jobs, 3,700 businesses and contributes approximately $4.7 billion annually to Canada’s economy.

Our industry is an important example of value-added manufacturing, transforming Canadian forestry products into finished goods that support housing construction, economic growth, and employment across Canada.

Our industry is experiencing first-hand how changing trade patterns and supply chain disruptions can directly affect Canadian manufacturers.

While the United States delayed a planned increase in tariffs from 25 percent to 50 percent until January 1, 2027, the current tariff remains in place and continues to affect Canadian manufacturers. Meanwhile, Canada is increasingly experiencing trade diversion as imported products seek alternative markets.

Since 2019, cabinet imports into Canada have grown by approximately 20 percent annually. In the last 18 months alone, import values increased from $176 million to $231 million, while import volumes rose from 3.7 million to more than 5 million units.

Cabinet imports into Canada have increased dramatically as global trade flows have shifted. Much of this growth has originated from Asia, particularly China and Southeast Asia, as suppliers sought alternative markets in response to changing North American trade policies.

At the same time, the United States has taken action to address import surges and trade distortions in the wood products sector through Section 232 tariffs, including a 25 percent tariff on kitchen cabinets and vanities.

These pressures are having real consequences. Many manufacturers have experienced significant revenue declines, reduced production, delayed investments, workforce reductions, and facility closures. Our members have already had to lay off employees or scale back operations. These are often family-owned businesses that have operated in their communities for decades. For example, South Shore Furniture, a Quebec furniture company in operation since 1940, has had to shut its operations and layoff over 120 staff in late April. Companies across Ontario, British Columbia and other parts of the company are cutting staff and reducing production capacity.

As Canada prepares for the Review, it is important to recognize that manufacturing capacity is a strategic asset. Strong North American trade depends not only on the movement of raw materials but also on maintaining competitive value-added manufacturing industries that create jobs and investment.

There are three key priorities:

  • First, Canada should recognize value-added manufacturing sectors such as cabinet manufacturing as strategic contributors to economic security, supply chain resilience, and North American competitiveness.
  • Second, the government should continue expanding opportunities for Canadian-made products or “Buy Canada products” through procurement policies and housing initiatives that support domestic manufacturing capacity.
  • Third, Canada should ensure that trade remedy and safeguard mechanisms are responsive when industries face significant market disruption. By the time relief measures are implemented, considerable damage has often already occurred.

Finally, as Canada enters the Review, policymakers should not only consider the largest sectors that are being impacted, but also the growing use of Section 232 tariffs on downstream value- added wood products, including kitchen cabinets and vanities.

January 1, 2027 is fast approaching. Unless alternative arrangements are reached, the U.S. tariff on kitchen cabinets and vanities is scheduled to increase from 25 percent to 50 percent. Combined with ongoing import pressures from Asia, this creates significant uncertainty for Canadian manufacturers at a time when many businesses are already under strain.

Thank you. I look forward to your questions.

Full Video: Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade

Canada’s national kitchen cabinet association commends Government of Canada for launching a Global Safeguard

PRESS RELEASE

April 22, 2026

 Canada’s national kitchen cabinet association commends Government of Canada for launching a Global Safeguard Investigation; Calls for interim measures for immediate relief of industry 

April 22, 2026 / Ottawa, ON — The Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association (CKCA) supports the Government of Canada’s launch of a safeguard investigation into imported kitchen cabinets and related wood products, an important step toward restoring a fair and level playing field.

Read the full media statement: Minister of Finance requests safeguard inquiry into imports of certain wood products

Canadian manufacturers are facing a flood of imports into Canada. A safeguard is necessary to restore balance and protect domestic manufacturing capacity from imminent collapse.

As a member of the Canadian Wood Products Alliance, CKCA supports efforts to maintain a strong and competitive domestic manufacturing base and urges the Government to implement a provisional tariff during the safeguard investigation to prevent further harm. The investigation alone will not be sufficient to provide the stability our industry needs. Without a provisional tariff, Canada’s safeguard investigation risks being undone by massive inventories of product into the Canadian market, and many Canadian producers will close and continue layoffs in the coming months. Canadian producers have enough excess capacity to supply the Canadian market.

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal will engage manufacturers as part of this process. CKCA encourages full industry participation.

Amrita Bhogal, CKCA President stated: “Since 2023, the kitchen cabinet industry has experienced an estimated 47% decline in revenues, with a further 20% decline anticipated in 2026. Behind these numbers are skilled workers, families, and communities who depend on a strong domestic manufacturing sector. Many companies have already closed, faced layoffs, deferred investments, and suffered price depression. Today’s step by government is an important signal of support and is welcomed by our members, but continued assistance will be essential to ensure multi-generational Canadian manufacturers like my own can continue investing in people and communities for decades to come.”

Luke Elias, CKCA Vice-President stated, “Canadian manufacturers have no difficulties with competition. But the unfair trade practices from imports has hit us hard. In the last two years there has been a 36% increase of low-priced imports from various countries and this has undercut domestic manufacturers by approximately 10%. These imports are taking larger percentages of the market away from Canadian manufacturers every year, making it increasingly hard for Canadian businesses to be competitive. Some interim measures must be taken immediately as manufacturers are in need of relief now.”

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.

For more information:

Sandra Wood, CKCA Executive Director

sandra@ckca.ca

613-493-5858

 

 

Canadian kitchen cabinet industry relieved with U.S. president’s announcement not to raise tariffs – and calls to remove 25% rate

PRESS RELEASE

 Canadian kitchen cabinet industry relieved with U.S. president’s announcement not to raise tariffs – and calls to remove 25% rate

January 5, 2025 / Ottawa, ON – With welcomed news that U.S. tariffs on kitchen cabinets and vanities will not be raised to 50%, the Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association (CKCA) is calling for the existing 25% tariffs to be removed entirely and for coordinated action by both governments to restore fair and balanced trade.

Citing ongoing Canada–U.S. trade talks, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a New Year’s Eve proclamation to delay the increased tariffs on kitchen cabinets, vanities, and upholstered furniture for a period of one year. The tariff increase from 25% to 50% on Canadian-manufactured products was scheduled to take effect January 1, 2026.

“There is real relief across the community of Canadian manufacturers and suppliers, but relief is not resolution”, says Luke Elias, CKCA Vice-President. Our industry continues to call for the complete removal of the existing 25% tariff, which is still highly punitive and continues to distort trade and pricing for businesses and consumers on both sides of the border.”

Elias explains that the imposition of U.S. tariffs has disrupted longstanding trade flows between the two countries, created uncertainty around future orders, and elevated costs throughout the supply chain. In the U.S., the tariffs have contributed to higher costs for new home construction and kitchen renovations.

Call for Canadian government action

While welcoming the federal government’s Build Canada Homes Initiative, which includes a clear buy Canadian requirement for government procurement, CKCA is urging Ottawa and the provinces to go further.

“Canadian taxpayers should expect Canadian value,” says Elias. “If public money is being used to stimulate housing, whether through direct procurement, builder incentives, HST rebates, or other subsidies then those programs should include buy Canadian sourcing requirements. The Build Canada model is strong, and it should be extended across all housing-related incentive programs.”

CKCA also calls on the federal government to urgently address the growing volume of imported kitchen cabinets entering Canada at below fair market value, which has increased at approximately 20% annually over the past five years.

“This surge of under-valued imports, combined with a soft domestic housing market, is placing severe pressure on Canadian manufacturers,” Elias explains. “Addressing unfair imports is essential not only to protect Canadian jobs, but also to demonstrate to our American counterparts that Canada is serious about enforcing fair trade rules across North America.”

“Trade works best when both countries are committed to fairness,” Elias adds. “Strong domestic enforcement strengthens Canada’s position internationally and helps rebuild trust in an integrated North American manufacturing ecosystem.”

An integrated industry

 The Canadian and American kitchen cabinet industries are deeply integrated, with a long history of competitive and fair trade. CKCA emphasizes that tariffs have strained these relationships and driven up prices for high-quality Canadian cabinetry in the U.S., with the ultimate burden falling on American consumers.

CKCA reports that the Canadian kitchen cabinet industry generates $4.7 billion in annual sales, employs more than 25,000 Canadians, and includes approximately 3,700 businesses nationwide, along with many peripheral suppliers in finishing, hardware, and wood products. A 2021 Statistics Canada report found that for every $1 million in output, the industry supports 10.3 jobs. Latest data shows Canadian manufacturers export approximately $610 million in kitchen cabinetry to the U.S. annually.

The CKCA, established in 1968, is a national trade association representing the kitchen cabinet industry in Canada. CKCA works to inspire progress and innovation by promoting excellence, facilitating continuous improvement, and upholding high standards in design and manufacturing.

For more information:

Sandra Wood, CKCA Executive Director

613-493-5858

sandra@ckca.ca

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.

Updates:

January 5, 2026

Canadian kitchen cabinet industry relieved with U.S. president’s announcement not to raise tariffs – and calls to remove 25% rate. Please see CKCA Press Release here»

January 1, 2026

US tariffs on Canadian kitchen cabinetry and bathrooms vanities remains at 25% as of Jan 1, 2026. Please see this announcement from the Whitehouse for details.  CKCA is pleased to see this announcement, however, a tariff of 25% is still crippling to many businesses in our industry that rely on exporting their products to the US. CKCA will remain diligent in pursuing better solutions for our industry that address concerns raised by our US counterparts. CKCA calls upon the Federal Government to continue with productive negotiations on behalf of our industry.  In addition, CKCA commends the Government for their “Buy Canadian” policy, but want assurances that this policy will reach our industry as the tax incentives and funding for new homes/home ownership are passed down through the provinces, to the municipalities and to builders.

November 26, 2025

CKCA Members are invited to a valuable education session (via Zoom) on Dec.11 with presentations by the IWPA. Click here for more details.

November 24, 2025

CKCA continues to meet with Government officials to raise the flag for our industry. Most government officials are unaware that the wood products industry is now one of the most tariffed industries in the country (we are at 25% now and will be 50% as of Jan 1, 2026).  We must continue to reach out to politicians and government to ensure they realize the full impact these tariffs are having on our industry and the importance of the Buy Canadian policy. It has to be rigorous enough in the multi-layered building industry to reach and benefit the Canadian manufacturers who should be prioritized to get any and all level of Government subsidized or funded housing project work. Our industry also need protection from cheap foreign imports entering our country at an increasing amount. With the US firm stand on tariffs, this will result in more dumping of cheap product into Canada.

November 14, 2025

It’s time to speak up! CKCA has released our Advocacy Toolkit to support members who wish to speak with their political representatives.  Click here for details »

November 3, 2025

Kitchen Cabinet Alliance of America submitted comments to US Congressman Greer, US Trade Representative stating their reasons for wanting “Fortress North America” for the cabinet industry. Click here»

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».

Tariff Relief and other help:

There is economic support available for Canadian businesses and workers directly impacted by US tariffs. Please note these programs are loan-based only.  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.

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