The United States has imposed a 50% tariff on Canadian hockey equipment, a move that is already pushing up prices for families who rely on imported gear.
Custom gear such as goaltender helmets and chest protectors have doubled in cost, with helmets climbing from $400 to $1,000 and chest protectors from $465 to $900, while overall hockey equipment spending has risen 45.4% since 2020 to $332.9 million.
Sharp Price Increases
The tariff, which covers more than 550 items including sticks, apparel and protective gear, threatens to shift production overseas or to U.S. facilities, a prospect that could further inflate costs for consumers.
Industry leaders warn that long‑term duties may cause manufacturers like Bauer, CCM and True Hockey to relocate factories to the United States, Asia or elsewhere, a shift that would keep prices high and potentially deter younger players from joining the sport.
The Sports & Fitness Industry Association has voiced strong opposition, arguing that the duties could choke growth in hockey participation, while families such as Kelly Rand’s are already feeling the strain as they consider cutting back or abandoning the game altogether. Experts such as Todd Smith, Chris Douglas and Mark Carney have noted that the tariff’s ripple effects could extend beyond hockey, affecting the broader sports market.
W. Graeme Roustan of Roustan Hockey has highlighted that while some manufacturers may initially absorb the tariff costs, the financial burden is likely to be passed on to consumers, leading to reduced participation and potential long‑term damage to the sport.