Pickleball Equipment Tariffs Cause Frustration for Players in B.C.
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 main piece of equipment for pickleball, the paddle, primarily comes from U.S. brands and is now subject to a 25 per cent tariff imposed by Canada in response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports.
This tariff has left pickleball enthusiasts frustrated as they see prices for their equipment rise. Cara Arding, the owner of Canada’s largest online pickleball retailer, Pickleball Depot, 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.
With prices on the rise, some players are exploring alternative options, such as purchasing paddles from online Chinese retailers. Landon Kitagawa, the president of the Delta Pickleball Association, notes that while some paddles need to be certified by Pickleball Canada for tournament play, there is a growing acceptance of Chinese-made paddles among players.
As the situation continues to evolve, Canadian manufacturers may have an opportunity to step in and provide players with more affordable options. The pickleball community in B.C. is adapting to the changing landscape, but the impact of the trade war on the sport remains to be seen.
