With tariffs on steel, aluminum, and most U.S.-made home appliances, expect to pay more to replace your fridge or kitchen stove. Trade tensions make repairing with a local company like Service 2000 an even wiser choice. Here’s why fixing instead of replacing is better for your wallet, the local economy, and the environment.
New Appliance Prices Likely to Soar
Since March 12, 2025, the U.S. has imposed unjustified 25% tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. These duties are in addition to 25% tariffs on all Canadian products (temporarily delayed until April 2). In response, the Canadian government is enforcing its own 25% tariffs on $30 billion worth of U.S. imports, including fridges and kitchen stoves.
The next move in this commercial tug-of-war is the implementation of the U.S. previously announced reciprocal tariffs, which will mirror all Canadian duties on U.S. products… including the 5% GST.
Because of these combined measures, appliance prices are expected to rise by hundreds of dollars.
In this situation, repairing becomes an even wiser choice. Tariffs impact replacement parts less than full appliances, while labour costs remain unchanged.
Repairing Helps Quebec’s Economy
Most of the money spent on repairs stays in Quebec. At Service 2000, we estimate that 75% of every invoice goes directly towards our staff and local suppliers. For comparison, a recent Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) survey found that Quebec SMEs keep an average of 66% of their spending in the local economy—that’s $0.66 of every dollar.
In turn, people spend money on housing, food, clothing, entertainment, and other local businesses—keeping the economy strong.
By contrast, the CFIB estimates that buying a foreign product from a multinational—like an American-made fridge from certain big-box stores—contributes only 11% to the local economy. The international supply chain and foreign corporate headquarters eat up the rest.
The Greener Choice
Repairing your appliances saves you money and is also the more eco-friendly choice. Proper maintenance can extend appliances’ lifespan by years, keeping them out of landfills and reducing waste.
On the other hand, manufacturing a new appliance comes with a significant environmental cost. From mineral extraction to energy-intensive assembly and transportation, each fridge or washing machine releases an estimated 300 to 400 kg of greenhouse gas emissions. By comparison, repairing an appliance has a minimal carbon footprint—mostly limited to a technician’s travel, spare part production, and shipping.
Tariffs are already putting pressure on the Canadian economy, and all signs point to rising appliance prices. In such a context, repair is the smart choice. Trust Service 2000 for expert repairs, support for the local economy, and a genuine commitment to sustainability.