Understanding tariff impacts on accessibility products.
Mobility123’s strategy to keep prices affordable.
As of February 2025, significant new U.S. tariffs are now in effect—25% on most goods imported from Canada and Mexico (with Canadian energy products taxed at 10%), and 10% on imports from China. At Mobility123, we understand that these changes are creating uncertainty across the industry. In this update, we explain how these tariffs impact our key product lines from Savaria and Stiltz, and outline the proactive steps we’re taking to protect your investment in home accessibility.
Overview of the New Tariffs
As of February 2025, new tariffs have been implemented on imported goods under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Here’s what you need to know:
- Canada & Mexico: A 25% tariff now applies to nearly all imported goods. An exception is made for Canadian energy products—such as oil, natural gas, and electricity—which are taxed at a 10% rate.
- China: Imports are now subject to a flat 10% tariff.
These tariffs directly affect the cost of specialized accessibility products. As a result, key products in our lineup—including those from Savaria (Canada) and Stiltz (China)—may see modest price increases. We are actively monitoring the situation and working with our partners, including domestic alternatives, to help minimize any impact on our customers.
Impact on Canadian Imports: Savaria Products
Tariff Effect:
Products manufactured by Savaria in Canada are now hit with a 25% tariff. For example, if a Savaria home lift costs $5,000, the tariff would add an extra $1,250—bringing the total to $6,250.
Manufacturer Response:
Savaria is actively working behind the scenes to explore strategies to ease the tariff impact. Although no formal mitigation plan has been finalized, they are evaluating options such as supply chain adjustments and potential tariff exemptions.
Customer Impact:
- Price Adjustments: You might see a modest price increase on Canadian-sourced accessibility products.
- Product Availability: As the industry adjusts, there may be short-term changes in product variety or lead times.
At Mobility123, we are monitoring these developments closely and are committed to keeping our pricing as fair as possible.
Impact on Chinese Imports: Stiltz Products
Tariff Effect:
Stiltz products from China now incur a 10% tariff. For a Stiltz home elevator priced at $5,000, the additional cost would be $500, making the final cost $5,500.
Manufacturer Response:
Stiltz is exploring ways to mitigate tariff impacts—such as renegotiating terms or adapting their production process—but has yet to announce a definitive plan.
Customer Impact:
- Cost Impact: The 10% tariff will likely cause a smaller price increase compared to Canadian products.
- Supply Adjustments: As with Savaria, adjustments in supply and logistics may occur, but Mobility123 is dedicated to minimizing any inconvenience.
How Mobility123 Is Proactively Responding
At Mobility123, our top priority is to ensure that you continue to receive high-quality accessibility solutions without unexpected price hikes. Here’s what we’re doing:
- Cost Management: We are actively reviewing our supply chain and negotiating with our partners to find efficiencies that can offset any tariff-induced cost increases.
- Maintaining Transparency: We promise to communicate any changes in pricing clearly. If tariff adjustments affect our product costs, we’ll update you immediately via our website, email newsletters, and blog.
- Exploring Alternatives: Our team is considering various sourcing strategies and production efficiencies to ensure we can continue to offer the best products at competitive prices, even as global trade policies evolve.
- Ongoing Collaboration: We remain in close contact with both Savaria and Stiltz. While their mitigation plans are still in development, we are committed to sharing any significant updates as soon as they become available.
FAQ: Tariffs & Accessibility Solutions
Q: Will the new tariffs increase the cost of my accessibility equipment?
A: Yes. The new tariffs can raise prices—for example, a $5,000 Canadian product may incur an extra $1,250 (a 25% increase), while a similar Chinese product may cost an additional $500 (a 10% increase).
Q: What steps is Mobility123 taking to manage tariff impacts?
A: Mobility123 is streamlining its supply chain, exploring cost-offsetting strategies, and providing transparent, timely updates to minimize disruptions from tariff changes.
Q: How will I be notified if product prices change due to tariffs?
A: We will update our website, send out newsletters, and publish detailed blog posts as soon as any pricing adjustments occur, so you always have the most current information.
Q: Are there domestic alternatives for these accessibility solutions?
A: Yes. In addition to Savaria and Stiltz products, we have established partnerships with domestic suppliers such as Symmetry Elevators and Cibes Lifts, which are not affected by the new tariffs. We’re working closely with these partners to ensure a broad range of high-quality, affordable options remains available.
Q: What exactly are tariffs and how do they work for accessibility equipment?
A: Tariffs are import taxes imposed on goods from other countries. For example, a 25% tariff on Canadian products and a 10% tariff on Chinese products directly increase the cost of imported accessibility equipment by adding a percentage-based fee to the product’s price.
Q: How do tariffs affect home elevators, wheelchair lifts, and stairlifts specifically?
A: Tariffs can lead to higher prices on these mobility products. For instance, if your home elevator or stairlift is sourced from Canada, the cost may increase by up to 25%. Similarly, products like wheelchair lifts from China could see a 10% price increase, potentially impacting project budgets.
Q: Will the tariff increases affect installation and maintenance costs at Mobility123?
A: Tariffs mainly impact the product cost rather than installation or maintenance fees. At Mobility123, we are committed to keeping overall expenses competitive by absorbing potential cost increases through operational efficiencies.
Q: Can I still order the same products if tariffs cause price increases?
A: Absolutely. All our products remain available. Mobility123 is dedicated to offering top-quality home elevators, stairlifts, and wheelchair lifts, and we will continue to provide these solutions even if tariffs lead to modest price adjustments.
Next Steps
The new tariffs have now taken effect, and they pose challenges to the supply of specialized accessibility products. However, at Mobility123, we are committed to navigating these changes proactively to protect your investment in home accessibility. Our ongoing communication and cost-management strategies mean that we’ll continue to offer reliable, high-quality solutions while keeping you informed every step of the way.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to Contact Us or call us at (609) 385-9575.
