Pickleball Players in B.C. Face Frustration Amid Tariffs on U.S. Equipment
Pickleballers in British Columbia are facing a new challenge as their beloved sport is caught in the crossfire of the growing trade war between the U.S. and Canada. The imposition of tariffs on pickleball equipment from the U.S. has left players frustrated and looking for alternative solutions.
The sport of pickleball has been steadily growing in Canada, with a significant increase in registered members in recent years. However, the main piece of equipment used in the game, the paddle, is primarily sourced from U.S. brands. With the recent tariffs imposed on U.S. imports, Canadian pickleball players are feeling the impact.
Cara Arding, the owner of Pickleball Depot, Canada’s largest online pickleball retailer, is now looking to import directly from China to counter the tariffs on U.S. products. She believes that this move could have a significant impact on the pickleball industry in Canada.
Arding’s business, based in Vernon with a retail location in Kelowna, is one of the biggest online retailers of pickleball equipment in Canada. She had made a bulk order of U.S. products before the tariffs were imposed but is now facing higher customs costs. As a result, she may need to adjust prices, leading to potential price increases for consumers.
In response to the tariff situation, Arding is exploring the possibility of featuring more Canadian paddle brands and even working with Chinese factories to create their own house-branded equipment. She emphasizes the importance of supporting Canadian companies and products during this challenging time.
Landon Kitagawa, the president of the Delta Pickleball Association, notes that pickleball paddles can range in price from $80 to over $400. He suggests that players could consider purchasing paddles from online Chinese retailers to bypass U.S. manufacturers. However, he cautions that some paddles need to be certified by Pickleball Canada for tournament play.
Kitagawa also sees an opportunity for Canadian manufacturers to provide players with more affordable options if the tariff situation escalates. By offering competitively priced products, Canadian companies could gain an advantage in the market.
As the pickleball community in B.C. navigates the challenges posed by the trade war, players and retailers alike are exploring new strategies to ensure the continued growth and accessibility of the sport.
