Lévis Auto Parts Distributor Transit Shifts Focus to Canada Amid U.S. Trade Barriers
LÉVIS, Quebec – Transit, a Lévis-based auto parts distribution company, is curtailing its expansion into the United States, redirecting investment and focus entirely to the Canadian market. The decision comes as escalating tariffs and trade challenges make operating south of the border increasingly untenable, according to company leadership.
The move reflects a growing trend among quebec exporters facing headwinds from U.S. trade policies. While Transit had previously considered opening a U.S. branch as early as 2025, those plans are now on indefinite hold. The company is instead expanding its Lévis warehouse to accommodate increased Canadian demand. “It’s one blow after another for exporters, it’s extremely difficult,” said Véronique Proulx, President and CEO of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of Quebec.
Transit is adapting by bolstering its Canadian operations. The company is creating additional storage space at its Lévis facility to meet rising domestic demand. Stephan Guay, Transit’s owner, expressed cautious optimism about future opportunities, but acknowledged significant uncertainty. “We are still in the middle of the storm. I don’t think it’s going to come back to the way it was before. I think it will be a new way of doing things. When? I don’t know,” Guay stated.
