Summer fun to cost extra with new round of Canadian tariffs

How Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on American items will affect the cost of some sporting equipment. CTV’s Dylan Dyson reports.

Canada has announced a new round of tariffs on American goods as the trade war between the two countries rolls on.

Among the items being targeted are sporting goods, just as the weather turns to spring.

It’s a drive straight to the gut for golfers in Ottawa, many of whom hit the range at Kevin Haime Golf Centre for the opening day of the season.

“I mean, what are you going to do about it? You need the stuff, you’ve got to pay for it,” said golfer James Burchill.

An additional nearly $30 billion in American products are being hit with a new 25 percent tariff; products such as steel and aluminum, as well as tools, water heaters, and cast-iron products.

It’s causing Canadian consumers to feel the heat, as summer fun becomes the latest target of the trade war.

“Well, I certainly I don’t like it. It seems to be a no-win situation for either country. So, I hope it stops and games come to an end soon because nobody’s going to win,” said golfer Jim Carroll.

It means for an already expensive sport; items such as golf clubs that come from the United States will only go up in price.

Golf Centre owner Kevin Haime tells CTV News he’s bracing for a 20 per cent drop in club sales this year due to the tariffs.

“As to whether we’ll sell as many golf clubs, if the tariffs really impact them, we probably won’t. It’ll have an impact for sure,” he said.

“Prices are high enough. If they go higher, I think it’s going to be a bit of an issue.”

At Kunstadt Sports in Ottawa, they’re also noticing a change in behaviour from customers, who are doing what they can to avoid buy American.

“I’ve certainly heard of people trying to shop for more Canadian brands and being a little wary about where their true origin is,” said Erik Dinardo, manager at Kunstadt Sports.

Dinardo says while there are some American products on their shelves, Kunstadt Sports aims to carry primarily Canadian goods.

As a carrier of tennis, pickleball, cycling goods and more, he expects the coming spring and summer seasons to be busy despite the threat of rising prices.

“We’re going to do everything in our power to keep prices competitive and avoid those American tariffs,” Dinardo said.