As of Tuesday, President Donald Trump’s administration has enforced a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, alongside an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports, according to reports from The Wall Street Journal. Canada has responded by announcing 25% tariffs on nearly $100 billion worth of U.S. imports, further straining North American trade relations.

China also responded with new tariffs as high as 15% on U.S. agricultural products and other measures targeting American businesses, while also filing a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization challenging the tariffs.

According to Bloomberg, Trump has indicated that additional tariffs will be imposed in the future, including reciprocal tariffs in April on trade partners that currently assess levies on U.S. products, and “sectoral taxes” of 25% on cars, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.

Implications for Equipment Finance

For equipment finance professionals, these tariffs present both challenges and strategic opportunities. Here’s what industry leaders should consider:

1. Assess Impact on Clients: Companies in industries such as manufacturing, construction and agriculture — key users of leased and financed equipment — are likely to face increased costs due to higher prices on imported materials and machinery. Engaging with clients to understand their pain points and offering flexible financing structures may help mitigate disruptions.
2. Evaluate Portfolio Risk: Increased equipment costs and economic uncertainty may lead to delays or reductions in capital expenditures. Finance leaders should review their portfolios for potential exposure to industries most affected by tariffs and adjust risk models accordingly.
3. Supply Chain Diversification: Businesses that rely on foreign-made equipment or components may need to seek alternative suppliers to manage rising costs. Equipment finance companies can provide value by guiding clients toward domestic alternatives or creative financing solutions to absorb additional expenses.
4. Monitor Interest Rate Trends: With trade tensions affecting financial markets, interest rates could fluctuate in response to economic shifts. Lenders and lessors should prepare for potential changes in the cost of capital, ensuring their financing structures remain competitive and sustainable.
5. Stay Current on Tariffs and their Impact on EF: Continue to follow the tariff landscape and trade deficits to mitigate risk for your business and to structure deals with your clients’ best interests in mind. Suite by Monitor has published a Guide to Navigating the North American Tariff Landscape designed specifically for equipment finance leaders.
6. Engage in Policy Advocacy: Industry leaders should remain active in trade policy discussions through the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association to advocate for policies that support a stable and predictable business environment. ELFA’s Capitol Connections event provides an opportunity for advocacy training, briefings on the latest policies impacting the industry and meetings on Capitol Hill with select federal agencies.

The Path Forward

While tariffs introduce uncertainty, proactive steps can help equipment finance companies navigate the evolving landscape. By maintaining close relationships with clients, staying informed on trade developments, and adapting financial solutions to changing economic conditions, industry leaders can turn these challenges into opportunities for strategic growth.

For ongoing updates, visit The Wall Street Journal’s live tariff coverage feed.