The 2024 U.S. presidential election concluded with Donald Trump securing a second term, triggering a familiar policy shift. By early 2025, a new wave of tariffs was introduced on goods imported from China, Mexico, and the European Union—some of which now exceed 60% in certain manufacturing categories.
While intended to boost domestic production, these trade barriers are causing headaches for American companies reliant on foreign-sourced industrial components. The result? Higher costs, delayed projects, and profit margins under threat.
That’s where Calgary-based manufacturers like Humfrey Industrial Repairs step in.
Why Calgary? Why Now?
Calgary isn’t just known for oil and cattle. It’s home to a growing cluster of industrial fabrication and machining businesses equipped to handle precision manufacturing at scale. Companies like Humfrey offer a strategic solution for U.S. buyers in need of reliable, tariff-free alternatives to Chinese and EU imports.
Here’s why they’re turning north:
- Proximity and Speed: Calgary’s location ensures faster shipping to major U.S. industrial hubs compared to Asia or Europe.
- No U.S. Tariffs on Canadian Goods: Thanks to current U.S.-Canada trade agreements, Canadian goods remain largely tariff-exempt.
- Currency Advantage: With the Canadian dollar valued lower than the U.S. dollar, American companies gain a natural cost discount—often up to 25%.
Tariffs: A Breakdown for U.S. Buyers
The impact of the new U.S. tariffs is being felt across multiple verticals—especially in manufacturing. Key categories affected include:
- Machinery and fabrication parts
- Precision pipe fittings
- CNC-milled components
- Hydraulic repair supplies
Instead of absorbing the cost or passing it to clients, savvy U.S. firms are rerouting their supply chains to Canada. For many, it’s not just a workaround. It’s a long-term competitive edge.
Meet Calgary’s Industrial Powerhouses
Founded in 1961 and based in Calgary, Humfrey Industrial Repairs has built a reputation on one thing: custom solutions that solve real problems. While many providers force-fit generic parts, Humfrey works directly with oil & gas, aerospace, automotive, and mining companies to produce bespoke components that meet specific performance and durability requirements.
Services include:
- CNC Machining
- Custom Pipe Fittings
- Welding and Fabrication
- Hydraulic and Millwright Services
For companies concerned about precision, timeliness, and compliance, Humfrey offers a no-compromise approach to quality.
And when time is money? Humfrey delivers. Learn more about their service capabilities.
The Currency Benefit: Built-In Savings for American Buyers
The USD-CAD exchange rate remains one of the quiet advantages of sourcing from Canada. As of June 2025, $1 USD fetches approximately $1.35 CAD. That’s a 35% boost in purchasing power.
So, while American companies are seeing costs inflate on Chinese imports, working with Calgary-based manufacturers means:
- Lower production costs
- Predictable pricing
- Easier budgeting for large orders
For example, a $20,000 order from Calgary translates to around $14,800 USD—a direct savings of over $5,000 compared to a similarly priced U.S. order.
From Tariff Tension to Strategic Opportunity
In a post-tariff world, Calgary isn’t just a “cheaper” alternative—it’s a smarter one.
Why It Works:
- Trade-Agreement Alignment: Under current agreements, Canadian industrial goods can enter the U.S. with minimal inspection delays or duties.
- Shared Standards: Unlike other international markets, Canadian manufacturers operate under standards aligned with U.S. regulations.
- Real-Time Support: No language barrier, timezone mismatch, or service void. Canadian teams are accessible, communicative, and on-call when needed.
Precision, Not Promises
While some suppliers throw around vague buzzwords, Calgary’s manufacturing ethos is different: deliver what’s needed, when it’s needed, how it’s needed.
Companies like Humfrey build with purpose, not marketing hype.
Our work in Calgary’s oil and gas sector highlights this:
- Decades of sector-specific experience
- Reliable access to exotic materials and finishes
- Custom fabrication that supports long-term infrastructure resilience
This isn’t just about avoiding tariffs—it’s about building a better supply chain
Are You Paying for Tariffs You Don’t Have To?
U.S. buyers need to assess more than just their direct vendor quotes. Hidden inside are tariff markups, brokerage fees, and transport surcharges.
Sourcing from Calgary helps eliminate:
- China-to-U.S. container fees
- Excess duties on fabricated metal
- Delays due to customs bottlenecks
And with Calgary’s proximity, you’re never more than a 2-day freight away from your next order.
What the Future Holds: Risk or Opportunity?
As Trump’s administration doubles down on protectionist policies, companies must choose: absorb costs or evolve.
Smart procurement teams are already adapting—leaning into Canadian partnerships not just for cost savings but for supply chain resilience.
Calgary offers U.S. companies:
- Geographic closeness
- Legal and regulatory alignment
- A skilled, tech-forward industrial labor force
And companies like Humfrey provide hands-on support and long-term partnerships built on transparency and trust.
Your Next Step: Offset Tariffs with Better Partners
If you’re feeling tariff fatigue, it’s time to think differently.
Skip the duty costs, skip the supply chain headaches, and skip the compromises. Instead, build partnerships with Calgary manufacturers that prioritize your bottom line and your production timeline.
We’re not just another machine shop—they’re your shortcut to bypassing tariffs, gaining precision, and staying competitive in a world that’s anything but predictable.
A Smart Pivot for Long-Term Wins
The 2025 trade environment may be volatile, but smart companies aren’t standing still. They’re shifting their sourcing strategies north—toward reliability, transparency, and value.
Calgary manufacturers are more than a Plan B. They’re the competitive edge U.S. companies need right now.If you’re looking to optimize procurement, reduce costs, and maintain production schedules without tariff turbulence, let Humfrey be your first call. Precision isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.