OTTAWA – A coalition of sports organizations and companies is calling on governments in Canada and the United States to suspend sports-related tariffs, arguing that these tariffs exacerbate economic difficulties and undermine participation in healthy activities. The ongoing trade tensions between the two countries have intensified in recent weeks following the collapse of trade negotiations in mid-August 2026.
In response to the stalled talks, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a steep 50 percent tariff on $28 billion worth of Canadian goods the day after negotiations failed. This list included crucial items such as hockey equipment, golf gear, gym equipment, and fishing rods. Canada retaliated by implementing its own tariffs on September 8, targeting various categories of sporting goods, including tracksuits, ski suits, swimwear, golf equipment, and fishing rods.
Aneysha Bhat, spokesperson for the Washington-based Sports and Fitness Industry Association, raised concerns that these tariffs are negatively impacting companies in the sports industry and limiting public engagement in sports. She emphasized that affordability is essential for growing participation in sports and fitness, which ultimately helps in fostering active and healthy communities. Bhat also highlighted the association's desire for both governments to return to the negotiating table to resolve the ongoing trade conflicts.
Mark Macaulay, head of procurement at Home Run Sports in Winnipeg, indicated that Canada's retaliatory tariffs are severely affecting his company. Macaulay noted that the costs for importing products from bat manufacturers in Louisiana and Pennsylvania have surged by 50 percent since the new tariffs were introduced. He warned that if these tariffs persist into late fall or winter, his company might have to delay or cancel shipments, as the increased costs would necessitate a rise in retail prices that consumers ultimately would bear.
Macaulay also pointed out that ongoing tariffs might drive consumers to seek alternative brands that are not subject to these tariffs. On the U.S. side, there are apprehensions that tariffs on Canadian imports could further inflate already high prices for hockey gear, creating additional barriers for families looking to purchase necessary equipment.
The Canadian federal government has acknowledged the increasing pressures on domestic manufacturing and procurement that have arisen from the imposition of tariffs. Adam van Koeverden, secretary of state for sport, stated that the government aims to mitigate any adverse effects those tariffs might have on families purchasing sports equipment for their children. While he did not specify which communities or sports are most affected, he indicated a commitment to engaging with national sports organizations to evaluate their procurement practices and promote Canadian-made goods.
Riyadh Nazerally, a spokesperson for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, emphasized that the government is aware of the challenges that U.S. tariffs pose to Canadian manufacturers, particularly small and medium-sized businesses. He reassured that the government is concentrating on assisting businesses with their immediate liquidity issues, maintaining operational stability, and safeguarding jobs.
Hockey Canada expressed its full support for the federal government's efforts to address the tariffs imposed by the United States. The organization continues to monitor the situation closely to assess any potential impacts on the national hockey community.
This report was first published on September 13, 2026, by The Canadian Press.
