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WDMA Reacts to New Tariffs Imposed by Trump Administration

WDMA Statement on Imposition of Tariffs on Canada and Mexico

The Trump Administration has announced a plan to impose sweeping twenty-five percent tariff on all products imported from Canada and Mexico. The manufacturers of windows, doors, and skylights are expressing significant concerns about the conflicts posed by tariffs with the President’s stated goals of reducing inflation, addressing the housing affordability crisis, and advancing the role of manufacturing in America’s economy.

John Crosby, WDMA President and CEO, issued the following statement on behalf of the industry:

“Upon taking office, President Trump has expressed a commitment to advancing manufacturing in the U.S. while reducing the effects of inflation on consumers and making home ownership more affordable," . Manufacturers of windows, doors, and skylights in North America believe his decision to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico will have the opposite effect.

“Over time, manufacturers and suppliers of components and materials for their products in Canada and United States have developed a productive relationship. The result has been a healthy flow of components and materials across the border in both directions, as well as finished products for use in construction. This vibrant, cross border trade relationship has brought quality, good paying jobs to communities across the United States, often in small towns, imposing new tariffs will slow job growth in these communities. The result is an industry that provides materials that are critical to the health, safety and welfare of building occupants that support affordable homeownership.

“The member companies of WDMA urge the Trump Administration to reconsider tariffs as a bargaining tactic on border issues. We are committed to working with policymakers to make housing more affordable while continuing to provide jobs and economic value to our communities.”

Click here to view WDMA’s position on trade and tariffs.

Leading Through Advocacy

from John Crosby, President and CEO


Welcome to 2025! This promises to be a transformative year for WDMA as we build on the successes of 2024 and create new value for your membership investment. Together, we have an incredible opportunity to shape the future of our industry and strengthen our collective impact.

Living in "Interesting Times"

The phrase "May you live in interesting times" has long been considered proverbial in nature and relating to a bad omen. Author Terry Pratchett has suggested the statement is the lowest in a trio of Chinese curses that included: “May you come to the attention of those in authority," and “May the gods give you everything you ask for."  Perhaps I am too optimistic, but I see more opportunities than threats in these statements.

More germane to this column, they collectively represent where we stand today in our advocacy efforts on behalf of your company and this industry.

As we move into this pivotal year, market forces, shifting policies, and intensified competition present us with an ideal environment for leadership. WDMA is ready to harness these conditions to drive meaningful change and elevate our industry.

Embracing an Offensive Strategy

WDMA has excelled at responding to inbound policy challenges and protecting our industry’s interests. This reactive approach has been vital in fending off threats on the periphery of national and state policymaking. Today, we need more than a defensive posture. It’s time to complement these efforts with a proactive, offensive strategy that positions us as thought leaders and collaborators in public policy.

A forward-looking approach requires clear goals, robust tactics, and strong relationships with legislators and regulators. Advocacy is most effective when built on collaboration, communication, and compromise—and when our "asks" align with shared values.

Our industry’s contributions are significant: from driving economic growth in our communities to supporting builders and architects in delivering better buildings, and ultimately, enhancing the human experience in the built environment. Policymakers need to understand how we can help them achieve their objectives while ensuring that policies do not hinder competitiveness or innovation.

The Power of Collaboration