Kentucky collision center discusses parts delays from Canada
A Kentucky collision center is getting national attention after speaking with a local news station about auto parts delays from Canada.
Derek McAllister, of Bluegrass Collision Center in Louisville, told Repairer Driven News that he is mostly seeing OEM parts delays for Chrysler, Dodge, and Ram vehicles since the U.S.-Canadian relationship on tariffs has become strained.
Some of the parts are delayed by months, he said. This is causing him to discuss alternative parts with consumers, such as aftermarket or recycled, he said.
Currently, McAllister said he’s been waiting on a roof panel that has no recycled or aftermarket options.
A parts dealer has looked across the country for an option but hasn’t found one, McAllister said.
He added his shop is waiting for the item to be available for shipping.
McAllister said he typically uses OEM parts because he thinks they fit better and he has fewer problems.
“Obviously it [the parts delay] has a ripple effect, slowing down production, slowing down the customer getting their vehicle back to them,” McAllister said.
He said communication with the customer about the delay and alternative parts is “paramount” in the process.
President Donald Trump announced last month that he would increase Canadian tariffs on cars, trucks, automotive parts, and steel to 50%.
Trump said in a Truth Social post that the 50% tariff would start Jan. 1.
“Build in the U.S., and there are ZERO TARIFFS,” Trump said in his post. “Canada will be treated like a State no longer!”
Automotive News reports that Canada is America’s second-largest trading partner. It adds that a trade deal previously on the table would have cut the top-line tariff rate from 25% to 15% and the tariffs on aluminum and steel from 50% to 25%.
“But the deal collapsed Aug. 21 over a number of points of contention, including whether the U.S. tariff relief would have applied to medium- or heavy-duty trucks,” according to Automotive News.
The publication adds that U.S. auto production is “heavily integrated” between Canada and Mexico and the tariffs “depending on specifics, could have drastic impact on American production.” ‘
OEM suppliers are already facing distress due to multiple global factors, including tariffs.
Geopolitical changes have increased the cost of OEM parts, while aftermarket parts have remained relatively stable, according to a recent report published by PartsTrader.
However, a recent Enlyte Envisions Trends 2026 Report found that aftermarket prices increased by 3.89% in 2025 and 3.08% in 2024. Yet, OEM prices increased at a higher rate than aftermarket parts, by 4.21% in 2025 and 3.52% in 2024.
A 15% tariff cap on Taiwanese auto parts in June benefits aftermarket parts manufacturers.
Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA) Executive Director Edward Salamy said in a press release that the recent decision to cap Section 232 tariffs on Taiwanese automotive parts is a positive development for the collision repair industry, automotive aftermarket, and consumers.
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