Toronto, Ontario — For the time being, the mutual agreement to close the border between Canada and the United States is not expected to affect the collision repair supply chain.
While trade may not be affected by the border closure, the mass shuttering of manufacturing facilities across North America may begin to have an effect on production in the automotive industry.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed Wednesday that Canada would be shutting its borders for all non-essential travel and that American citizens would no longer be permitted entry. Canadian citizens are still allowed to cross the border.
“Travellers will no longer be permitted to cross the border for recreation and tourism,” Trudeau said, adding that trade will remain open and it is “critical to maintain supply chains” that link the two countries.
According to Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association president Flavio Volpe, the federal government consulted with him prior to making a decision on closing the borders, and that parts from the United States destined for Canadian plants and parts from Canada destined for the United States will all flow freely.
“That’s the intention, anyway,” he said.
Ford, General Motors, Honda, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Honda and Toyota all announced continent-wide plant closures on Wednesday, effective through at least Mar. 31.
