If you’ve been keeping an eye on the news lately, you might have seen that the Canadian government has introduced significant changes to how steel products are imported. For those of us in the construction, events, and security sectors, these changes hit close to home—specifically regarding the availability and cost of temporary fencing.
At Olivec, we believe in being more than just a supplier; we want to be the expert friend you can lean on when the market gets complicated. Today, I’m breaking down what these new tariffs actually mean and, more importantly, what we are doing to protect your bottom line.
Temporary Fencing News: Why Are These New Steel Tariffs Happening?
Effective December 26, 2025, the Government of Canada began imposing a 25% tariff on a specific list of steel derivative products. This isn’t just a random tax; it’s a strategic move designed to protect the domestic steel industry and ensure fair competition in the global market.
The list covers a wide range of items, including many components vital to our industry—such as barbed wire, grill, netting, and various structures used in fencing. By placing a surtax on these imports, the government aims to encourage local sourcing and stabilize the national economy against international market shifts.
How This Impacts the Temporary Fencing Industry
Steel is the backbone of high-quality temporary fencing. When the cost of the raw materials or the finished panels increases by a quarter overnight, the entire supply chain feels the pressure.
In many cases, these tariffs lead to immediate price spikes across the industry. Some suppliers might use this as an opportunity to raise rates across the board, making it difficult for contractors and project managers to stay within budget. It also means that inventory planning has become more critical than ever, as “just-in-time” ordering now comes with a much heavier price tag.
How Olivec is Responding: Transparency Over Profit
We know that a 25% increase sounds daunting. However, I want to be very clear: Olivec is not simply raising prices by 25%. We’ve spent a lot of time at the drawing board figuring out how to handle this fairly. Our goal is to maintain stability for our partners. Here is how we are managing the situation internally:
- The “Pass-Through” Policy: Standard industry practice is to apply a profit margin to the total landed cost (the price of the product plus the tariff). We aren’t doing that. We calculate our selling price as if the tariff didn’t exist, and then add the tariff amount strictly at cost.
- Zero Markup on Tariffs: We refuse to profit from a government tax. You only pay the exact amount required by the regulations, ensuring the lowest possible impact on your project costs.
- A “Wait and See” Commitment: If the government removes or reduces these tariffs in the future, we will lower our prices immediately.
Strategic Planning: Your Competitive Advantage
In this new regulatory environment, the way you purchase temporary fencing panels can be a major competitive advantage. Planning ahead is no longer just “good practice”—it’s a strategy to protect your margins.
By securing your inventory early, you can:
- Reduce Costs: Lock in current pricing before new stock under the tariff regime arrives.
- Ensure Availability: Avoid supply chain bottlenecks as the industry adjusts to these new rules.
- Stay Competitive: While others are reacting to price shocks, you’ll have the equipment you need at a predictable cost.
Our current in-stock inventory remains available at 2025 pricing until February 16, 2026. If you have projects coming up later this year, now is the time to have a conversation about your needs.
Learn more about container orders: https://olivec.ca/2024/12/20/ordering-fence-panels-by-the-container-how-does-it-work/
Conclusion: Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Market changes like these are inevitable, but they don’t have to derail your business. By being proactive and working with a partner that prioritizes transparency over easy profits, you can navigate these tariffs successfully.
Think of this as an opportunity to tighten your inventory strategy and get ahead of the curve. If you have questions about how these changes affect your specific upcoming projects, give us a shout. We’re here to help you keep your sites secure without breaking the bank.
Government of Canada Announcement: List of steel derivative products subject to 25% tariffs https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2025/12/list-of-steel-derivative-products-subject-to-25-per-cent-tariffs-effective-december-26-2025.html