Rising Costs on the Ice
The Trump administration announced a 50% tariff on a range of Canadian goods, targeting items such as hockey sticks, gloves and other equipment that are staples for North American youth leagues.
Breakaway Hockey Company, a family‑run retailer in Mountlake Terrace, Washington, sources the majority of its inventory from Canadian suppliers. Since the policy took effect, vendors have kept wholesale prices roughly 30% higher than they were before the previous tariff was lifted, forcing the store to pass the increase on to customers.
Dan Zinsmeyer, part‑owner of Breakaway Hockey, explained that the combination of tariffs and broader inflation has made it increasingly difficult to maintain affordable pricing for the community.
Community Impact
Michael Gibbs, a longtime player and coach in the area, noted that the cost of gear, ice time and travel has risen sharply over the past few years, placing a heavy burden on families, especially those with single incomes.
Gibbs added that the new tariff will not affect Canadian skates directly but will raise the price of sharpening tools and other Canadian‑made accessories that his program relies on, further tightening budgets for low‑income households.
The company expects to quantify the financial impact of the tariff over the next three months, while Canadian officials have announced plans to suspend trade talks with the United States and to impose retaliatory duties on U.S. steel, dairy, appliances, paper and electronics beginning September 8.