The tariffs affecting breeding and racing stock have been tabled until April 2nd at this point but it is evolving quickly. I highly recommend all Industry Stakeholders to fill out the input form expressing the impact via the 21 day public comment period being held until March 25th 2025. There is a link provided at the end of the email.
At this time we do not have a definitive confirmation of the implications of these tariffs but we will continue to monitor the situation as it evolves.
EXPORTING TO THE U.S.
Mares for Breeding
If the mare was born (“originated”) in the U.S., the tariff does not apply.
If the mare was born (“originated”) in another country, the tariff applies and must be paid upon entry into the U.S.
A Temporary Entry permit is available for 30 days from the date of crossing. This requires cash to secure a bond equal to the tariff value, and the owner must provide proof of the mare’s value. If the mare returns to Canada within 30 days, the owner can request a refund of the bond from the U.S. government. However, proof of re-entry — such as a border services date stamp — will be required.
If the mare is accompanied by a foal born in Canada, the foal will also be subject to the 25% tariff or require a separate Temporary Entry permit if returning to Canada within the 30 day period.
Horses for Sale and Racing
If the horse is intended to be sold in the U.S. at auction or by private sale and was born in the U.S. (“originated”) the tariff would not apply.
If the horse was born (“originated”) in Canada, the tariff applies and must be paid upon entry into the U.S.
A Temporary Entry permit is available for 30 days from the date of crossing. This requires cash to secure a bond equal to the tariff value, along with proof of the horse’s value.
If the horse is not sold and returns to Canada within 30 days, the owner can request a refund of the bond from the U.S. government. However, proof of re-entry — such as a border services date stamp — will be required.
IMPORTING INTO CANADA
In response to the U.S. tariffs, Canada has announced retaliatory tariffs affecting approximately $30-billion worth of goods imported into Canada. While the initial round of tariffs did not apply to purebred breeding and racing animals, including live horses, it is likely that future rounds may include such tariffs, mirroring those imposed by the U.S.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has indicated that purebred breeding animals (including live horses) could be included in a second round of tariffs. A complete list of potential goods affected is available here; https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/programs/consultations/2025/notice-intent-impose-countermeasures-response-united-states-tariffs-on-canadian-goods.html
Currently, a 21-day public comment period is underway for these proposed countermeasures, with feedback accepted until March 25, 2025. We strongly encourage all industry stakeholders to submit their input through this form and request an exemption to the Canadian tariffs for purebred breeding and racing animals.
https://forms-formulaires.alpha.canada.ca/en/id/cm7upmkx9008rx268zhy9l6pj
