The United States has imposed a 50% tariff on more than 550 Canadian products, including hockey equipment, sparking immediate concerns that families will face sharply higher costs.
Rising Costs Threaten Hockey's Future
The impact is already visible on the shop floor. A goaltender’s helmet that once cost $400 now commands $1,000, while chest protectors have risen from $465 to $900. For families such as Kelly Rand’s, who rely on custom‑fit gear for their children, these price jumps translate into a heavy financial burden.
Hockey equipment spending in the United States has surged 45.4% since 2020, reaching $332.9 million in 2025, as participation has climbed 7% over the past three years, a trend attributed to high‑profile events like the Winter Olympics and expanded learn‑to‑play programs.
Although Canada accounts for only 8.5% of U.S. hockey‑gear imports, the majority of those imports come from China (52.7%) and Vietnam (13.2%). The new tariffs risk pushing manufacturers to relocate production outside Canada, a move that could further inflate prices for consumers.
Industry experts warn that sustained tariffs will increase production costs, which will be passed directly to buyers, potentially discouraging families from enrolling their children in hockey and slowing the sport’s growth.
The Sports & Fitness Industry Association has publicly opposed the measures, arguing that the tariffs threaten to undermine the recent surge in participation and jeopardize the long‑term health of the game.