NextFin news, BRANTFORD, Ontario — On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, Roustan Hockey, the last major Canadian manufacturer of traditional wooden hockey sticks, confronted significant trade challenges due to tariffs imposed by the U.S. government under former President Donald Trump’s trade policies.
The factory, located about 60 miles southwest of Toronto, produces approximately 400,000 wooden hockey sticks annually, with around 100,000 exported to the United States. The company also manufactures plastic-bladed road hockey sticks and foam-core goalie sticks.
The difficulties arose after the Trump administration eliminated a widely used customs exemption for international shipments valued under $800 in late August 2025. This policy change led to surprise tariffs and manual border inspections on shipments, disrupting Roustan’s cross-border trade.
Bo Crawford, general manager of Roustan Hockey, described the uncertainty caused by the fluctuating U.S. trade policies: “You never know what Trump will do. The president can change his mind day to day, week to week, hour to hour. So yeah, we have to deal with it the best we can.”
Graeme Roustan, CEO and owner, expressed concern about the impact of tariffs on small orders, stating, “Even if somebody buys one or two or five or 10 sticks, and it’s under $100, they’re going to be affected by the tariffs, so the jury is still out on how that’s going to impact business.”
Shipments of goalie pads produced at a separate Toronto factory were recently subjected to an unexpected 200% tariff, causing additional paperwork and delivery delays. The company’s customs broker has worked to have some surprise tariffs waived, but the disruptions continue to affect operations and customer confidence.
Roustan Hockey’s factory traces its origins back to 1847 and is the last North American commercial manufacturer of traditional wooden hockey sticks, surviving decades of globalization and industry shifts. Despite the rise of composite sticks favored by professional and amateur players, Roustan maintains a niche market emphasizing quality and Canadian manufacturing heritage.
However, the wooden hockey stick market is shrinking, with only 5% to 10% market share remaining, as composite sticks dominate the sport. The factory’s artisanal, low-tech production process contrasts with global competitors, many of whom manufacture in Asia or Mexico to reduce costs.
The trade disruptions come amid broader economic challenges in Canada, including a 1.6% contraction in the second quarter of 2025, a 7.5% slump in exports, and the loss of nearly 38,000 manufacturing jobs in the year leading to August 2025. Investment in industrial machinery and equipment also fell to historic lows, according to the National Bank of Canada.
Graeme Roustan emphasized the importance of maintaining a domestic manufacturing base, saying, “Having a factory that makes hockey sticks in Canada really serves two purposes. One, it contributes to the manufacturing base. But two, it has the legacy and the tug of the heartstrings of the game that we all love in Canada.”
For now, Roustan Hockey is focused on navigating the evolving trade environment by contesting unexpected tariffs, managing shipment delays, and reassuring customers. The company awaits further customs rulings and potential changes to trade policies that will determine its ability to sustain operations in a challenging market.
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