Tariffs have some mom-and-pop manufacturers considering move to United States

By Brett Bundale
The Canadian Press in CTV News
September 4, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada East

A Canadian Muskoka chair maker hit hard by US tariffs is considering moving the bulk of its manufacturing to the United States. DFC Woodworks has been making outdoor wooden patio furniture including Muskoka chairs — also called Adirondack chairs — since 1955. The Kemptville, Ontario company exports about 70% of its furniture to the US, but those goods are now subject to a steep 50% US duty. …DFC Woodworks president François Bruneau said “If we raise prices, it will make us non-competitive and sales will go down. If we don’t, the tariffs will sink us.” The Muskoka chair maker’s dilemma illustrates the challenges facing many Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises, said Fen Hampson at Carleton University. DFC Woodworks makes all its outdoor patio furniture in Ontario using BC western red cedar and eastern select pine. …DFC Woodworks has diversified in recent years, growing sales to Europe with plans to export to Japan.

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