Tariffs and Crossing the Border with Horses: Information and Resources

US tariffs come in effect April 2, 2025. While much is still unknown, we do know that these 25% tariffs combined with Canada’s counter-tarifffs will have a significant impact on the equine industry both sides of the border.  These costs, combined with the exchange rate and changes to travel requirements for individuals, mean that the Canadian equine industry will face unexpected challenges and decisions in 2025.

MHC is committed to providing members and clubs with information and resources to enable good decision making. If you have information regarding these issues that you would like to share with members, please contact [email protected]

NEWS

If you wish to share your opinion on Canada’s retaliatory tariffs with the Government of Canada, you may do so through the portal link for the Department of Finance before April 2, 2025.

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/programs/consultations/2025/notice-intent-impose-countermeasures-response-united-states-tariffs-on-canadian-goods.html

Beginning April 11, 2025, Canadian's visiting the United States for 30 days or more must register with the U.S. government prior to the expiration of that 30-day period.

From American Horse Council March 25, 2025:

Tariffs: The Horse Industry’s Journey into the Great Unknown - The American Horse Council

From Manitoba Agriculture March 21, 2025:

We have been advised that both full time USDA port veterinarians at the Pembina ND Port of Entry have tendered resignations, the second one effective April 6, 2025.  There will be a weekly rotation of veterinarians assigned after April 6.  There is an expectation that there will be delays in crossing and/or days where no crossings will be available.  There is already limited crossing at the Dunseith ND Port of Entry.  It is advised that horse owners intent on entering the US with their horses contact the USDA well in advance to determine when it is possible for them to cross.  The email for the Pembina crossing is  [email protected]  .  It is further advised that owners look out for potential tariffs and associated rules that may apply on purchases of horses, supplies or feedstuffs moving in either direction.

From Canadian Thoroughbred Racing Society March 18, 2025

https://www.cthsnational.com/

From National Thoroughbred Racing Association March 14, 2025:

https://www.ntra.com/ntra-advisory-and-faqs-on-tariffs/

From Bloodhorse March 14, 2025

https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/283211/canadian-breeders-shaken-by-tariff-threats

From Standardbred Canada March 12, 2025:

https://standardbredcanada.ca/notices/3-12-25/notice-members-regarding-impending-tariffs.html

RESOURCES

Equestrian Canada

https://equestrian.ca/news/update-to-ec-members-equestrian-canada-is-aware-both-of-proposed-tariffs-to-equines-entering-the-usa-as-well-as-discussions-taking-place-surrounding-counter-tariffs-from-canada/

LINKS

Canada Border Services: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html

Canadian Association of Retired Persons or CARP:

https://www.carp.ca/2025/03/07/new-us-requirements-for-canadian-snowbirds/

CA Tariff Finder:  https://www.tariffinder.ca/en/getStarted

Canada’s Trade with US: https://international.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/campaigns/canada-us-engagement

Horse health certificates and sanitary requirements for exporting: https://inspection.canada.ca/en/animal-health/terrestrial-animals/exports/horses

Serving Manitoba’s Equine Community for 50 years

 

Manitoba Horse Council (MHC) is the not-for-profit organization representing clubs and individual members involved in equine activity in Manitoba.

 

MHC provides support, leadership and resources to develop all phases of equestrian sports and to improve and develop equestrian athletes in Manitoba. MHC works to promote the interests of Manitoba’s equestrian enthusiasts and clubs. 

 

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