The United States has imposed a 50% tariff on Canadian hockey imports, a move that is already driving up the cost of equipment for families across the country.
Custom sticks, skates and goalie gear that once sold for as little as $80 in 2016 now command prices ranging from $200 to $1,230, reflecting a dramatic rise in manufacturing costs.
The Sports & Fitness Industry Association, which represents manufacturers and retailers, has called for the tariffs to be removed, arguing they threaten the growth of hockey participation, which has risen 7% in the United States in recent years.
Economist Chris Douglas warns that if demand continues to climb, stick prices could increase by another $50 or more, a shift that could discourage parents from enrolling their children in the sport.
W. Graeme Roustan, the head of Roustan Hockey, the last major Canadian manufacturer of sticks, says the company will keep production running despite the tariff pressure, though he acknowledges that long‑term duties may force a move of some manufacturing to the United States or other regions.
Spending on hockey equipment in the United States has surged 45.4% from 2020 to 2025, reaching $332.9 million, underscoring the sport’s growing popularity even as price concerns mount.
With more than 550 items, including sticks and protective gear, subject to the duty and Canada accounting for only 0.9% of U.S. imports, the policy’s impact is magnified by the sheer volume of affected products.
Industry Response and Future Outlook
While manufacturers initially absorb part of the tariff cost, economists predict that sustained duties will likely shift production away from Canada, potentially altering the supply chain for hockey gear.
The combination of rising prices and the prospect of reduced accessibility is prompting concern among youth hockey advocates, who fear the sport could lose participants if families find the equipment too expensive.