Canada's Last Hockey Stick Factory Survives US Tariff Trade War Impact

Canada's last major hockey stick factory, Roustan Hockey, located near Toronto, is struggling amid trade uncertainty caused by President Donald Trump's trade policies. The factory, which has been operating since the 1800s and is the last North American manufacturer of traditional wooden hockey sticks, faces challenges due to Trump's imposition of tariffs on Canadian exports and the elimination of a customs exemption for international shipments under $800. This change affects even small orders of hockey sticks, complicating cross-border trade and unsettling U.S. customers. Factory management expresses frustration with the unpredictability of U.S. trade policy, with decisions changing frequently and forcing them to adapt continuously. Despite these challenges, the 15 workers at Roustan continue their craft, preserving a Canadian national symbol amid shifting trade dynamics. The factory's survival highlights the broader impact of the ongoing trade war on small manufacturers dependent on cross-border commerce.