Dear Off Grid Trailer Community,
At Off Grid Trailers, our mission has always been to build the most durable, rugged, and reliable overland trailers on the market, allowing you to explore the wild with total peace of mind. To do that, we rely heavily on premium-grade, heavy-duty steel and aluminum to construct our signature all-metal, wood-free frames and cabins.
Because we manufacture our trailers in Canada and ship them to our incredible community of outdoor enthusiasts across the United States, we want to share an important update regarding recent U.S. trade policy changes that impact our industry.
What is Happening?
Effective April 6, 2026, the U.S. government implemented updated Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum imports entering the United States. Section 232 is a U.S. trade law that allows the administration to adjust imports if they are deemed to impact national security.
While these regulations originally targeted raw metals, the newest April 2026 presidential proclamation drastically altered how tariffs are calculated on finished derivative products—which includes products substantially constructed from these metals, like our overland trailers.
The Key Details of the Tariff
Here is a breakdown of how the current policy applies to manufacturing and cross-border shipping:
- The 25% Derivative Rate: Because our off-road trailers are substantially made of steel and aluminum, they fall under the classification of "derivative articles" and are subject to a flat 25% tariff upon entering the U.S.
- Calculated on Full Value: Previously, tariffs were only calculated based on the raw weight or value of the metal component itself. Under the new April 2026 rules, the 25% tariff is applied to the full customs value of the finished product as it crosses the border.
What This Means for You
We believe in absolute transparency with our customers. Building a trailer that can withstand the toughest trails requires uncompromised material integrity. This sweeping trade policy adds a significant, unavoidable customs cost to every trailer we import into the United States.
- Existing Orders: If you have an active order with us, our customer support team will be reaching out to you directly if your specific build is affected by these cross-border changes. We are working diligently to review every delivery timeline and clear customs as smoothly as possible.
- For Future Orders: The full value of this import tariff will be reflected transparently in our online configurator and will be ‘estimated’ for you as you configure your trailer. As you work with your OGT Sales Representative, the import tariff value will be confirmed on your order sheet prior to signing a purchase contract.
How Off Grid Trailers will mitigate tariff costs for our US based clients
- Lower declared Value: Off Grid Trailers Corp is our US company that imports trailers destined for our US customers into the USA from Canada. The Full Customs Value of the import is calculated at a wholesale price that is lower than the full retail value following the rules established by the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency).
- OGT Tariff Credit: Off Grid Trailers will absorb the first $2,500 USD of the Tariff amount owing at the time of import in the form of a credit at the time of purchase. Please reach out to your OGT sales representative for more details.
Our Commitment to you
- Stability: Production, warranty support, and exceptional customer services continues uninterrupted.
- Continuity: We remain fully operational and committed to serving both our Canadian and U.S. customers.
- Transparency: We will continue to monitor these trade policies closely and keep you updated every step of the way.
We are incredibly grateful for your passion for the outdoors and your trust in Off Grid Trailers. Our commitment to engineering the toughest off-road trailers on the continent remains entirely unchanged. While recent cross-border policy changes are impacting many manufacturers, we remain committed to serving our U.S. customers transparently and responsibly.
If you have any immediate questions about an upcoming delivery or how this impacts a quote, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team at 888 943 7160 | sales@offgridtrailers.com
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See you on the trail,
The Off Grid Trailers Team
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are tariffs affecting trailers?
Recent U.S. Section 232 trade policy changes expanded tariffs beyond raw steel and aluminum materials to include certain finished “derivative” products substantially made from those metals — including many overland and recreational trailers manufactured outside the United States.
Because Off Grid Trailers builds premium all-metal, wood-free trailers in Canada using heavy-duty steel and aluminum construction, these new import tariffs may apply when trailers are imported into the United States.
Will my order be delayed?
At this time, Off Grid Trailers remains fully operational and committed to serving both our Canadian and U.S. customers.
While cross-border customs processing may add complexity to some deliveries, our team is actively reviewing every order and working diligently to minimize delays and ensure a smooth import and delivery experience. If your specific build or delivery timeline is affected, our customer support team will contact you directly with updates.
How are tariffs calculated?
Under the current April 2026 Section 232 framework, qualifying imported products may be assessed a 25% tariff when entering the United States.
Unlike previous rules that focused primarily on the raw metal content itself, the updated framework may apply tariffs to the declared customs value of the finished imported product. Off Grid Trailers imports units into the United States through our U.S. operating entity using standard cross-border customs valuation practices in accordance with applicable regulations.
Is OGT still selling in the USA?
Absolutely.
The United States remains an extremely important market for Off Grid Trailers, and we remain fully committed to supporting our American customers with premium products, warranty support, customer service, and ongoing transparency.
Production and operations continue uninterrupted, and OGT will continue delivering trailers across North America.
Is OGT absorbing any costs?
Yes.
To help reduce the impact on our U.S.-based customers, Off Grid Trailers will absorb the first $2,500 USD of applicable tariff costs in the form of an OGT Tariff Credit at the time of purchase.
Our team is also actively working to minimize customer impact through operational and import strategies wherever possible. Please speak with your OGT Sales Representative for details specific to your build and delivery location.
How does this affect future orders?
For future U.S. orders, estimated import tariff amounts will be displayed transparently within the OGT online configurator as customers build and price their trailer.
Prior to signing a purchase agreement, your OGT Sales Representative will review and confirm any applicable import-related costs associated with your order and delivery destination. Our goal is to provide complete clarity and avoid unexpected surprises throughout the purchasing process.
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