Tariff Trouble: Why Automotive Lift Parts Are About to Get More Expensive

If you’re in the automotive repair business, you may have already noticed the rising costs of equipment and replacement parts. One of the biggest drivers behind these increases? Tariffs—specifically, new and existing tariffs between the United States and Canada that are directly affecting the price of steel, aluminum, and automotive lift components.

A New Wave of Tariffs starting April 2nd 2025

The Canadian and U.S. governments are in the middle of escalating trade tensions, and as a result, there’s now a minimum 25% tariff looming on many automotive parts imported across the border. This comes on top of a 25% tariff already imposed on steel and aluminum, which are the backbone materials used in the construction of most automotive lifts and their components.

How This Affects Automotive Lift Parts

Automotive lifts, by nature, are steel-intensive machines. Every component—from the columns and arms to the baseplates and fasteners—relies heavily on metal. That means the moment tariffs hit the raw materials, the cost of manufacturing begins to climb. Add in a second layer of tariffs on finished parts themselves, and the prices quickly balloon.

If you’re sourcing lift parts from across the border—whether it’s a Canadian shop buying American-made lifts or a U.S. distributor ordering parts from Canadian OEMs or suppliers—expect to see immediate price hikes. Some industry insiders estimate that retail prices on certain parts could increase by 30–50% or more in the coming months as manufacturers and distributors are forced to pass those costs on to consumers.

How Tariffs Work—and Why They Affect You

Tariffs are essentially taxes imposed by a government on imported goods. When a tariff is applied—say, 25% on imported lift parts—that cost doesn’t get absorbed by governments or manufacturers. Instead, it’s passed along the supply chain. That means distributors pay more, retailers pay more, and ultimately, you as the customer pay more. For example, if a part originally cost $100, a 25% tariff increases that to $125 before any markup. Multiply that across a repair shop’s regular parts orders, and it’s easy to see how prices can quickly climb. As a small business, we do our best to keep pricing competitive, but when tariffs hit, passing some of that cost on to the consumer becomes unavoidable.

Below is a typical import shipping charge for a standard shipment we receive from the United States. To bring parts into Canada, we’re responsible for brokerage fees and Canadian taxes. Currently, there is no duty applied to these items. However, if new tariffs on automotive lift parts take effect on April 2nd, an additional duty will be imposed—directly increasing the overall cost of importing these parts from the U.S.

Who’s Impacted?

• Repair Shops: Your maintenance costs may increase, and getting parts for older lifts could become more expensive or delayed.
• Distributors: You may need to reevaluate inventory strategies and pricing models.
• Fleet Operators: Budget planning for inspections, maintenance, and part replacements will likely need to be adjusted.
• End Customers: Higher repair costs could trickle down to vehicle owners.

What Can You Do?

• Plan Ahead: If you know you’ll need certain lift parts or equipment soon, consider ordering now before prices spike further.
• Consider Domestic Options: Depending on where you’re located, sourcing from within your own country may offer some insulation from cross-border tariff impacts.
• Stay Informed: The trade environment is evolving rapidly. Keep an eye on announcements from both U.S. and Canadian trade officials.

Final Thoughts

The automotive lift industry, like many others, operates on slim margins and a just-in-time supply chain. With tariffs adding friction and cost at multiple points, price increases are becoming unavoidable. Whether you’re maintaining a small shop or managing a large service operation, it’s critical to stay proactive about your parts strategy.

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