Groups urge end to tariffs on sporting goods, warning of economic impacts

OTTAWA — Sports organizations and companies are urging the Canadian and U.S. governments to suspend tariffs on sporting goods, saying the measures are increasing economic pressures and could reduce participation in healthy activities.

The Canada-U.S. trade war has escalated since talks on a trade agreement collapsed in mid-August. The following day, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed 50 per cent duties on $28 billion in Canadian goods, including hockey equipment, golf and gym equipment, and fishing rods and parts.

Canada imposed retaliatory tariffs on Sept. 8, targeting several categories of sporting goods, including track suits, ski suits, swimwear, golf equipment and fishing rods.

Aneysha Bhat, a spokesperson for the Washington-based Sports and Fitness Industry Association, told The Canadian Press that the tariffs are hurting businesses in the sector and undermining public participation in sports. She said affordability helps participation grow, while increased participation in sports and fitness supports active, healthy communities.

The association represents more than 700 sporting-goods and fitness brands, manufacturers, retailers, businesses, and youth and professional leagues. Bhat said it is urging both governments to return to the table and restart trade negotiations.

Mark Macaulay, head of procurement at Home Run Sports in Winnipeg, said Canada’s retaliatory tariffs are affecting his company. Home Run Sports deals with bat companies in Louisiana and Pennsylvania, and Macaulay said bringing products across the border now would raise the company’s cost for those goods by 50 per cent compared with before Sept. 8.

If tariffs continue into late fall or winter, the company may have to delay or cancel shipments, he said. Higher goods costs would raise retail prices, with the added costs passed on to customers. Consumers may also have to buy brands that are not affected by tariffs, Macaulay said.

In the United States, there are concerns that tariffs on Canadian imports could further increase the already high price of hockey equipment. After imposing tariffs on several American sporting goods, the federal government says it is examining gaps in Canadian manufacturing and procurement.

Adam van Koeverden, secretary of state for sport, said the government does not want tariffs to affect equipment families need to keep their children involved in sports. He did not identify the sports or communities facing the greatest impacts, saying the government is assessing effects across the board.

Van Koeverden said the government will speak with national sport organizations about their procurement practices to ensure they are buying Canadian, while considering how more needed products could be made in Canada.

Riyadh Nazerally, a spokesperson for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, said by email that the government recognizes U.S. tariffs are creating challenges and uncertainty for Canadian manufacturers. He said small and medium-sized businesses are bearing much of the impact, and that the government remains focused on helping businesses address immediate liquidity challenges, maintain operations and protect jobs.

Hockey Canada said in a media statement that it fully supports the federal government’s efforts to address the current tariff situation with the United States. The organization said it continues to monitor the situation and its potential impact on Canada’s national hockey community.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 13, 2026.