The tariffs imposed this week will jack up prices for painting contractors, according to the American Coatings Association.
ACA on Tuesday released a strongly worded letter condemning the imposition of tariffs on Canada and Mexico and warning that it will have downstream consequences for American painters.
The release notes that Canada and Mexico are the biggest trading partners for American contractors, valued at $1.26 billion. China is the third largest partner, with a $1.17 billion contribution.
“Many of the raw materials for coatings formulas cannot be produced in the United States and originate in China,” the ACA explained. “Consequently, there are limited options to procure these raw material inputs elsewhere.”
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On Tuesday of this week, President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada took effect. In a tit-for-tat response, Canada announced plans to impose a 25% tariff. Mexico is also threatening to retaliate, saying they will announce their response this Sunday.
Meanwhile, China immediately responded with retaliatory tariffs on agricultural products, and other restrictions against American companies.
Caught in the crossfire are American painting contractors, who face a reduction in profit margin and an overstretched consumer as people clutch wallets close in fear of a recession. Also look out for potential paint shortages to rear its head again.
“New tariffs imposed on the paint and coatings industry’s largest trading partners will introduce disruptions and increased costs,” the ACA wrote. “Average Americans and our domestic manufacturing industry will be negatively impacted by higher costs on countless products used daily as a result of new tariffs imposed on Canada, Mexico and China.”
The stock market is already feeling the effects of the sudden economic uncertainty. After the tariff announcement, the Dow and S&P posted their worst day of 2025. In all, the S&P has erased all growth since November 2024.
The ACA concluded by extending an offer to President Trump to assist in seeking “appropriate solutions to trade issues.” Overall, the coatings industry contributes over $32 billion to the U.S. economy and employs over 313,000 people across America.
As of Friday, President Trump has indicated that he will grant 30 day exemptions to Mexico and Canada on automobiles and other products. Canada has already responded by saying it will not retract any of its sanctions until America lifts all tariffs against them permanently.
Buckle up.
