(August 24, 2026) – The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) responds to the introduction of a 50% tariff on Canadian imports, effective as of Saturday, August 22, 2026, after failed trade negotiations between the United States (U.S.) and Canada. This Section 338 tariff, stacked on top of existing tariffs, creates negative economic obstacles for the participants, families, businesses, fans, and consumers of the sports and fitness industry. SFIA strongly encourages the Governments of the United States and Canada to suspend these country-specific tariffs and expeditiously finalize trade negotiations to keep goods, such as sports and fitness equipment, affordable and accessible to the sports and fitness communities across our two nations.
Tariffs create significant economic hardship for youth and families, companies, small businesses, and communities looking to engage with and participate in sports and fitness activities. SFIA’s recent research shows that our industry continues to see strong participation and steady consumer engagement; however, tariffs, and the rising costs that result, remain a key concern for families and businesses. For a sport like ice hockey — passionately celebrated by both nations, especially on the global stage during the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic & Paralympic Games, and whose participation has continuously grown since 2022 according to SFIA’s data — increased tariffs and trade-related uncertainty can negatively impact the growth of the sport.
This summer, the U.S., Canada, and Mexico collaboratively delivered unforgettable experiences to millions of people who gathered to celebrate soccer at the Men’s Soccer World Cup. The success of the event reached far beyond the field, as SFIA’s latest soccer data shows that the World Cup sparked a soccer participation boom in the United States. SFIA is calling on the U.S. and Canadian Governments to leverage this same shared spirit of international cooperation to strengthen our trade partnership and ensure that the sports and fitness industry can remain accessible and affordable to all.
Keeping sports and fitness affordable and accessible is critical to ensuring our communities can stay active and healthy. As families head back to school and the fall sports season quickly approaches, this Section 338 tariff of 50% and its forthcoming Canadian equivalent will present additional economic barriers for families, businesses, and consumers looking to engage in sports and fitness, reducing capabilities for innovation, business growth, and, ultimately, sports and fitness participation.
SFIA strongly urges the Governments of the United States and Canada to expeditiously renew trade negotiations, suspend the Section 338 50% tariff and its forthcoming Canadian equivalent, and strengthen trade practices between our two nations. SFIA supports collaborative economic policymaking that promotes healthy lifestyles and advances American public health.
Please direct inquiries to Aneysha Bhat, Director of Government Affairs & Strategic Advocacy, at [email protected] or 630-863-5152.