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Canadian Banks Dodge Tariff Hit in Q3

Canadian Banks Dodge Tariff Hit in Q3

Canadian Banks Dodge Worst-Case Tariff Scenario in Latest Q3 Earnings: Insights for Investors

Canadian banks like RBC and TD reporting


  • Resilient Provisions: Canadian banks are projected to set aside C$5.22 billion in loan-loss provisions for Q3 2025, down from C$6.37 billion in Q2, indicating tariffs have hurt less than anticipated.
Modest Economic Growth: Despite U.S. tariffs, Canada's GDP is forecast to grow at 1% in the second half of 2025, stabilizing after a sharp Q2 contraction. Bank Performance Boost: Earnings are expected to benefit from wealth management and capital markets, though loan growth remains weak due to low demand. Investor Opportunities: With strong capital positions, banks like RBC and TD may deploy more in buybacks, offering potential value for long-term holders. Contrast with Other Sectors: Unlike John Deere, which faces a $600 million tariff hit leading to layoffs, Canadian banks are showing adaptability.

Imagine waking up to news of escalating trade wars, with tariffs threatening to upend economies overnight. That's the reality many feared for Canada in early 2025, as U.S. policies imposed steep duties on key exports. Yet, as the latest Q3 earnings reports roll in, Canadian banks appear to be navigating these choppy waters with surprising steadiness. It’s more than a win for shareholders—it’s proof of the sector’s remarkable resilience. In this post, we'll dive into how these financial giants are dodging the worst-case scenarios, backed by fresh data and expert insights.

The Tariff Landscape in 2025

Trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada intensified in early 2025, with the U.S. implementing tariffs as high as 50% on Canadian steel and aluminum, and 25% on non-compliant auto parts under the CUSMA agreement.

This led to a sharp 25% drop in exports in Q2, contributing to a 1.5% GDP contraction. However, not all is doom and gloom. Recent moves, including Canada lifting some retaliatory tariffs, have eased pressures.

How Tariffs Affect Banks

Banks feel the ripple effects through loan portfolios. Higher tariffs can strain borrowers in export-heavy industries, leading to defaults. Yet, analysts note that 92% of Canadian exports to the U.S. remain tariff-free, limiting the damage.

This has allowed banks to reduce provisions more than expected.

Q3 Earnings Overview

The big six—RBC, TD, BMO, Scotiabank, CIBC, and National Bank—are reporting this week, starting with BMO and Scotiabank on 26 August.

Expectations are for a sequential decline in provisions, signaling confidence.

Key Financial Metrics

Provisions for credit losses are down, with wealth segments providing a buffer. Some institutions may see a notable increase in net interest income.

BankExpected Non-GAAP EPS (C$)Net Interest Income (C$B)Provisions (C$M)
BMO2.96N/A917.79
Scotiabank1.735.41N/A
RBC3.29N/A1,070
TD2.038.491,210
CIBC2.00N/A571.60

(Source: Analyst estimates)

Implications for Investors

Look for banks with U.S. exposure like TD, which may benefit from diversified operations. Practical tip: Monitor buyback announcements, as C$4 billion was deployed in Q3.

For more on bank stocks, check our guides on Top Canadian Dividend Stocks and Navigating Economic Uncertainty.

As trade barriers rose in early 2025, sparking fears of a full-blown recession, Canadian banks braced for impact. The U.S., under renewed protectionist policies, slapped tariffs on everything from steel to auto parts, prompting retaliatory measures from Canada and others. This created a volatile backdrop for the financial sector, where loan defaults could skyrocket if exporters faltered. However, the latest Q3 earnings—covering the period ending July 2025—paint a picture of cautious optimism. Banks are setting aside less for bad loans than in Q2, suggesting the worst-case tariff Armageddon has been averted. This comprehensive analysis draws on recent reports from the Bank of Canada, analyst consensus, and market data to unpack the story, offering investors a roadmap through these uncertain times.

We'll explore the broader economic context, dissect the earnings figures, compare with hard-hit sectors like agriculture (using John Deere as a stark example), and provide actionable advice. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of why Canadian banks are proving more robust than expected, and how to position your portfolio accordingly.

Economic Backdrop: Tariffs and Canada's Resilience

To grasp why banks are dodging the bullet, we must first examine the tariff environment. In April 2025, the U.S. escalated duties, with an average weighted tariff rate hitting 13%—up significantly from earlier levels.

Specific hits included 50% on Canadian steel and aluminum, and 25% on motor vehicles not meeting CUSMA rules.

This wasn't isolated; retaliatory tariffs from Canada and China added fuel to the fire.

The immediate fallout was brutal. Canadian exports plummeted 25% in Q2 2025, as businesses front-loaded shipments in Q1 to beat the tariffs, leading to a 2.2% GDP surge followed by a 1.5% drop.

Unemployment climbed to 6.9%, and the output gap widened to -1.5% to -0.5%, indicating excess supply. Inflation hovered around 1.9% in June, with core measures at 2.5% excluding taxes. Yet, stabilization is underway. The Bank of Canada forecasts modest 1% GDP growth in the second half of 2025, rising to 1.8% by 2027 as trade uncertainty eases and global demand rebounds. Exports are expected to flatline at lower levels before modest gains, buoyed by new commodity capacity. A striking 92% of Canada’s total exports by value flowed into the U.S. market. tariff-free in June, thanks to CUSMA exemptions. Prime Minister Mark Carney's decision to remove some retaliatory tariffs has further de-escalated tensions. Financial conditions have recovered too. Equity markets and credit spreads normalized by mid-2025, with volatility returning to averages. However, risks linger: an escalation scenario could trigger a three-quarter recession, with GDP 1.25% lower by 2027 and tighter borrowing costs. In contrast, de-escalation might boost growth to 1.7% annually. For banks, this means less strain on commercial loans tied to exports. S&P Global had warned of net income falls and ROE dropping to 8-11% from 12%, but current data suggests a milder hit. RBC Economics bumped up its 2025 growth forecast to 1.5% after revising earlier estimates."

Diving into Q3 2025 Earnings: Provisions, Growth, and Segment Performance

The heart of the story lies in the earnings. Projected loan-loss provisions for Canada’s Big Six banks stand at C$5.22 billion in Q3, marking a decline from C$6.37 billion in the previous quarter.

This sequential decline reflects tariffs impacting loan portfolios "less than feared," as per analysts at Canaccord Genuity.

Provisions were ramped up earlier to cushion against defaults in mortgages, credit cards, and commercial lending amid trade fears.

Loan growth, however, remains anemic due to subdued demand.

Businesses are hesitant to borrow amid uncertainty, echoing Q2 trends where revenue momentum slowed. Offsetting this, capital markets and wealth management are shining, with fee income surging from rising client activity. Visible Alpha's consensus shows modest profitability gains.

Here's a detailed breakdown:

BankQ3 Non-GAAP EPS (C$)YoY ChangeKey DriversProvisions (C$M)
Bank of Montreal (BMO)2.96Up modestlyU.S. expansion, wealth fees917.79
Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank)1.73StableInternational ops, NII up 11.26% to C$5.41BN/A
Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)3.29StrongDiversified revenue, buybacks1,070
Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD)2.03ModerateU.S. retail strength, NII at C$8.49B1,210
CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce):EPS C$2.00 Steadysupported by its domestic focus and reduced provisions. Net income: C$571.6M.
National Bank of CanadaN/AN/AQuebec-centric stabilityN/A

(Data from A Invest and Visible Alpha)

BMO and Scotiabank kick off on 26 August, with others following. For certain players, net interest income may surge 9.3% to as much as 57%, depending on baseline figures. Analysts like Veritas' Shalabh Garg are eyeing capital deployment commentary, as banks deployed C$4 billion in buybacks last quarter. Fitch Ratings notes higher impairments from tariffs but highlights banks' cushions. Trading at 11.7x 2024 earnings, the sector isn't pricing in a recession, per Hamilton ETFs.

Lessons from Other Sectors: The John Deere Cautionary Tale

To appreciate banks' resilience, consider John Deere (Deere & Co.), a bellwether for tariff-sensitive industries. Tariffs have dealt a heavy blow to the agricultural equipment giant in 2025, with pre-tax impacts projected at nearly $600 million—an increase from $500 million last quarter.

This includes costs from steel and aluminum duties, plus retaliatory tariffs.

Deere's Q3 profit declined, sales dropped 9%, and income fell 26%.

The fallout? Hundreds of layoffs across Iowa facilities, including 238 in Waterloo and Moline. Stock performance has suffered, with shares slumping amid a broader ag economy downturn. Why the contrast? Banks' diversified portfolios—spanning wealth, U.S. ops, and domestic lending—provide buffers Deere lacks. While Deere's direct exposure to imported materials bites hard, banks' indirect ties via borrowers are mitigated by CUSMA protections.

This underscores the value of diversification in volatile times.

Strategic Tips for Investors Amid Tariff Uncertainty

So, what should you do? Here's practical advice:

  • Diversify Within Banks: Favour RBC or TD for their U.S. footprints, which hedge against pure Canadian risks. RBC's wealth arm could shine if markets rebound.
  • Monitor Key Indicators: Watch unemployment (at 6.9%) and export data. If growth hits 1.8% by 2027, dividends—averaging 4-5% yields—remain safe.
  • Risk Management: In an escalation scenario, prepare for ROE dips to 8%. Use stop-losses on bank stocks if tariffs spike.
  • Long-Term Plays: Banks' excess capital (built from saturated domestic markets) positions them for acquisitions or buybacks. Consider ETFs like ZEB for broad exposure.

For deeper dives, link to our internal posts: Investing in Canadian Banks During Economic Downturns or Dividend Strategies for 2025. Externally, consult the Bank of Canada's Monetary Policy Report and Reuters' coverage.

Wrapping Up: A Sector Poised for Recovery

In summary, Canadian banks' Q3 2025 earnings highlight a sector that's adapting rather than crumbling under tariff pressures. Lower provisions, stabilizing exports, and strong segments like wealth management point to resilience, even as loan growth lags. Unlike Deere's tariff woes, banks benefit from exemptions and diversification.

If you're an investor, now's the time to reassess your holdings—perhaps adding a bank stock for stability. Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, or consult a financial advisor to tailor these insights to your portfolio. What are your thoughts on the banks' outlook? Share in the comments below!


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