On March 4, 2025, the United States took a ceiling tariff of 25 percent in all Canadian goods that entered the country. While the measure was submitted by April 2, it applies to the implementation of purebred breeding and racing animals, including living horses, every time they cross the border.
In order to understand the effects of these tariffs on the Canadian racing horse industry, the Canadian thoroughbred horse area (CTHS) and Standardbred Canada (SC) received information from the Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarfood Canada and our Border Broker network. While the situation remains fluid and details still appear, we will continue to provide updates because up-to-date information is available.
Export to the USA
Mares for breeding
If the mare was born in the USA (“origin”), the tariff does not apply.
If the mare was born in another country (“origin”), the tariff applies and must be paid for when entering the USA
A momentary entry permit is available for 30 days from the date of crossing. This requires cash to secure a bond that corresponds to the tariff value, and the owner must present the value of the mare. If the mare returns to Canada within 30 days, the owner can request a refund of the US government's bond. However, proof of the re-entry, as a stamp for border service is required.
If the mare is accompanied by a foal born in Canada, the foal is also subject to the 25 percent tariff or requires a separate momentary entry permit if it returns to Canada within the 30-day period.
Horses for sale and run
If the horse is to be sold in the USA at an auction or private sale and was born in the USA (“origin”), the tariff would not apply.
If the horse was born in Canada (“origin”), the tariff applies and must be paid for when entering the USA
A momentary entry permit is available for 30 days from the date of crossing. This requires cash to secure a bond that corresponds to the tariff value together with the detection of the horse's value.
If the horse is not sold to Canada within 30 days, the owner can request a refund of the US government's bond. However, proof of the re-entry, as a stamp for border service is required.
Import in Canada
In response to the US tariffs, Canada has announced retaliation tariffs that affect goods worth around 30 billion US dollars that were imported in Canada. While the initial round of tariffs did not apply to purebred breeding and racing animals, including living horses, it is likely that future rounds can contain such tariffs that can reflect the rounds imposed by the USA
The Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarfood Canada stated that purebred breeding animals (including living horses) could be included in a second round of tariffs. A complete list of those affected is Available here.
A 21-day public commentary period is currently underway for these proposed countermeasures Feedback through this shape And request the Canadian tariffs for purebred breeding and racing animals.
Ongoing updates and industry support
At this point there is no final confirmation of the full effects of these tariffs for the Canadian standard bred and thoroughbred industry. Both SC and the CTHS remain in close contact with the interest groups of the industry and the government representatives in order to obtain the most true and latest information.
SC and CTHS advise all members who cross the border emphatically to cross the services of a professional trading company or a US customs broker to ensure compliance with the regulations and to facilitate a silky starting process.
Understanding the financial and logistical challenges that these tariffs can impose can and will continue to provide updates if specific details are available. In the meantime, we appreciate your patience and encourage members to turn when they have relevant information, findings or experiences in connection with this topic.
Out of Standardbred Canada
