Outdoor Industry Association: Government Shutdown to Weaken Outdoor Economy

Boulder, CO (October 1, 2025) — Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today expressed serious concern regarding the federal government shutdown and its impact on the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy. With public lands already understaffed, the shutdown is expected to place additional strain on the industry and local businesses that rely on outdoor visitation to national parks, which added $56 billion to the U.S. economy last year.  

“A government shutdown poses a serious threat to the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy,” said OIA President Kent Ebersole. “Public lands and national parks are already facing critical staffing shortages, and a shutdown would further disrupt operations, restrict access in some areas, and jeopardize the livelihoods of hard-working Americans in gateway communities that depend on recreation and tourism. With visitors across the country planning trips this fall, the shutdown will lead to cancelled reservations and reduced business activity with lasting impacts. Leaving public lands unattended leaves them vulnerable to vandalism and disrepair, undermining the outdoor recreation economy.” 

OIA urges Congress and the administration to resolve a shutdown swiftly and to avoid any further reductions in staffing that would undermine the management of our public lands. A stable and fully supported federal workforce is essential to sustaining the outdoor economy and ensuring outdoor access for millions of Americans.

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About Outdoor Industry Association 

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org. 

ADVOCACY & POLICY

We represent your voice at the federal and state levels advocating in Washington for smart trade, public lands, and policies that strengthen the outdoor economy.

The Outdoor Industry Summits Capitol Hill

May 8, 2025

Last week, more than 80 outdoor industry business leaders joined forces in Washington, D.C. for our annual OIA Capitol Summit. This convening has always been an opportunity for outdoor business leaders to unite, share their stories with Congress, and advocate for the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy and its 181 million participants.  

But this year was different.  

This year, Capitol Summit came at a time of intensifying pressure for our industry—and many industries—as we face the headwinds of a rapidly changing policy environment. 

The lingering threat of President Trump’s reciprocal tariff policy, purported to go into effect on July 9, poses an existential crisis for the outdoor industry. The impacts are pervasive—not only are small- and medium-sized businesses wondering if they will make it through the next year (or even the next few months) due to lack of clarity, halted inventory planning, and irreplaceable relationships with technical manufacturers overseas, but consumers will bare the burden of higher price tags, too. 

Equally as urgent, our public lands—the very backbone of our industry and of the American experience—are under threat of being sold off to fund President Trump’s domestic policy agenda. The administration has already made drastic workforce cuts to the Department of the Interior (DOI), US Forest Service (USFS), and National Park Service (NPS). As the summer season swiftly approaches, the potential of trail closures and campground shutdowns remains unclear. 

These issues are decisive for our industry and come on top of a whole host of policy priorities that OIA already pushes on a regular basis, including Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) renewal, Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) review, and Legacy Restoration Fund reauthorization. 

If ever there was a mission-critical moment for the outdoor industry to show up on The Hill, this was it. And that we did. 

Our members came out in full force to deliver a clear message: 

Congress must act to protect outdoor businesses from the existential threat of new tariffs and safeguard the public lands that power our economy and American way of life. 

Small outdoor business founders, outdoor retail store owners, and long-time outdoor industry stalwarts shared their lived experiences with representatives on both sides of the aisle and advocated for common ground solutions that foster innovation and fuel the economy.  

Last week, we made an impact. But there’s still work to do. 

Read on for a recap of our Education and Lobby days, and to learn more about how you can join forces with OIA and outdoor business leaders to safeguard our industry. 

Education Day: Equipping Business Leaders with Stats for Success 

On Day 1 of Capitol Summit, the industry convened for a full day of education sessions on top priority policies to address on The Hill. Attendees heard from political representatives including Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE), as well as outdoor industry policy experts and business leaders on the state of key trade and recreation policies, including: 

  • Reciprocal tariffs 
  • GSP renewal 
  • MTB review 
  • Legacy Restoration Fund reauthorization 
  • Federal workforce cuts 
  • Public lands protection 
  • Outdoor recreation economic output 
  • Outdoor recreation participation demographics 

Learn more about these policies and advocacy opportunities here. 

Lobby Day: Raising Our Outside Voices on The Hill 

Equipped with outdoor economy data and policy briefs, OIA members trekked to The Hill to share their stories.  

Members met directly with key political stakeholders on both sides of the aisle, including Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), Congresswoman Maxine Dexter (D-OR-3), Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME-1), Congressman Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-2), Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Congressman Joe Neguse (D-CO-2), Congressman Blake Moore (R-UT-1), Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT), and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR). Members shared personal stories about the real-world implications of these policies—business owners’ livelihoods are on the line due to tariff increases, gateway communities are struggling to sustain themselves with park service staffing cuts, outdoor recreationists question whether their favorite trails and parks will be open this summer, and consumers face the likelihood of even greater price hikes and inflation as the economy becomes increasingly unstable. 

Rappelling Off The Summit: Industry Reflections 

At the end of our day on The Hill, we looked to the future and asked the question, “What now?” Our members say it best: 

“What can you do? Speak up. Share your story. Call your reps. Lead with facts, but speak from the heart. The door is cracking open—we need to push. We need to keep raising our voices now more than ever.” — Cassie Abel, Founder and CEO at Wild Rye (Read more here) 

“Simply put, tell your story. If your business is threatened by these policies, if you have stopped hiring or started firing, are cutting back on investment and innovation and becoming less competitive globally, tell these stories to your elected representatives…Your story can make a difference.” — Damien Huang, OIA Board Member and Outdoor Industry Leader (Read more here) 

“Our business advocacy didn’t end yesterday, and it certainly won’t end until we get through this storm. Together we are a force, and yesterday we showed that…Please call your reps (especially if you live in a republican district) as this crisis is going to affect all of us; whether it’s your company, your job, or the price that you’re going to pay for pretty much everything.” — Jason Parkin, OIA Board Member and Founder/President & CCO of Compose[d] (Read more here) 

“As I write this, after a long day on the Hill and watching the Senate debate trade reform, I can tell you this: only public pressure will save the American economy…If nothing changes: Many small retailers like mine won’t make it through the next 12 months. Big corporate brands might survive. Most small ones won’t…But if enough people raise their voices: There’s still time. These businesses can still survive if change is made now…” — Wes Allen, Principal at Sunlight Sports (Read more here) 

Our Trek Continues: OIA is Here to Help You Navigate the Path 

As the July 9th deadline for the 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs approaches, and as the fate of our public lands and park stewards remains uncertain, you can look to us as a source of truth on policy outcomes and a guide on how to navigate their implications. 

Register for our next live Policy Town Hall on May 20 at 12:30pm MT to get the latest updates on tariffs and public lands in our next. 

Are you a small business owner bearing the weight of tariffs? Share your story with Congress: House Small Business Committee Tariff Questionnaire 

 

Leading with Our Values to Drive Advocacy and Impact for the Outdoor Industry

A letter from OIA President Kent Ebersole

Dear OIA Members, 

The outdoor industry is at a pivotal moment. As a core part of a $1.2 trillion industry that supports 5 million American jobs, OIA is committed to standing strong on the issues that matter most to you—conservation, recreation, trade, and sustainability. We understand the challenges our industry and your business face. Whether it’s the uncertainty of tariff policies, threats to public lands, or the rollback of critical environmental protections, this political climate requires bold advocacy and strategic engagement. 

Our policy agenda and advocacy efforts focus on our members’ priorities and industry values, driving business success and industry resilience: 

  • Conservation: Advocating for policies that protect public lands and waters, ensuring our treasured landscapes remain accessible and preserved.  
  • Recreation: Promoting investments in recreation infrastructure to support equitable access to outdoor experiences. 
  • Trade: Pushing for stable, predictable trade policies that enhance competitiveness and reduce unnecessary tariffs. 
  • Sustainability: Advancing impactful policies that promote responsible manufacturing and environmental stewardship. 
  • State Policy: Influencing policies that drive growth and opportunity for outdoor businesses and communities nationwide. 

As a member-driven organization, OIA is taking the path of greatest impact—one that keeps us at the table, drives constructive dialogue with lawmakers, and ensures your voices are heard where it matters most. No matter who occupies the White House or which party holds power in Congress, our focus remains clear: delivering meaningful progress for our industry and protecting the places and policies that enable outdoor businesses and communities to thrive. 

In 2025, we will take bold, proactive steps to support our members and advance the outdoor industry’s interests through targeted advocacy, resource development, and meaningful engagement opportunities: 

  • Catalyze Advocacy Efforts: Advocate at OIA Capitol Summit, connect members with policymakers through direct advocacy opportunities, and expand state-level influence by relaunching our state policy program. 
  • Equip Members with Resources: Provide policy tools, data-driven insights, and a new platform to take advocacy action, share breaking updates, and discuss critical policy issues with members. 
  • Build Industry Connection and Collaboration: Bring members together through  task forces, working groups, and monthly Trade and Recreation Advisory Council meetings to address industry priorities.  

We will maintain open lines of communication with Congress and the administration, advocating fiercely on your behalf. We won’t compromise our values. Instead, we will use our influence to strategically drive outcomes that benefit the outdoor industry, the environment, and the communities we serve. 

For more than 35 years, our industry has met moments of change with strength and unity. We’ve led the way in securing landmark victories, including the permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and the passage of the EXPLORE Act, achieving real, lasting wins for the industry. As we look ahead, we remain unwavering in our commitment to public policy and advocacy, knowing that our collective voice is more important than ever. 

With your partnership, we will champion smart policy, defend our industry’s interests, and continue to catalyze meaningful change for the outdoors and all who enjoy it. Explore our policy agenda and join us on March 12 at 1 pm MT for a members-only webinar to connect with fellow leaders, dive into the issues, and discover how your voice can help lead the charge. 

 

Together we are a force, 

Kent Ebersole 

President
Outdoor Industry Association 

 

4 Key Post-Election Policy Implications for the Outdoor Industry

The 2024 election resulted in a dynamic political landscape with significant policy implications for outdoor industry businesses, particularly in overseas manufacturing and exporting. During our industry-wide webinar this December, OIA convened policy experts, government affairs representatives, and attendees to share insights and answer questions about tariffs, trade policies, and broader regulatory challenges under the new administration. Read on for key takeaways from the session and answers to some of the industry’s most pressing questions. 

Key Takeaways 

  • The outdoor recreation industry contributes $1.2 trillion to U.S. GDP and supports over 5 million jobs, underscoring its importance as an economic driver. 
  • Early and consistent engagement with the new administration and 119th Congress is critical to ensure the industry’s voice is heard on issues like trade, public land management, and sustainability. 
  • Businesses should prepare for potential new tariffs on China, Vietnam, and Mexico, emphasizing the need for supply chain diversification and proactive communication with policymakers and consumers. 
  • Circularity, product durability, and recyclable materials are becoming regulatory priorities, offering both challenges and opportunities for companies to innovate. 
  • Leveraging robust economic and sustainability data is essential for advancing policy goals and demonstrating the industry’s contributions. 

Tariffs and Trade Policy

How soon could the administration implement tariffs on outdoor products? 

The administration is expected to act quickly on tariffs, with announcements potentially coming as early as Inauguration Day. Tariffs targeting countries with significant trade deficits, such as China, Vietnam, and Mexico, are anticipated. Businesses should be prepared for swift changes. 

Should manufacturers move operations out of China? 

While moving operations out of China may help mitigate risks, it’s important to avoid over-reliance on a single alternative, such as Vietnam, which may also face tariffs. Companies are encouraged to adopt a diversified multi-country sourcing strategy and consider onshoring and nearshoring opportunities to reduce dependency on high-risk regions. 

Mitigating Tariff Impacts

What can companies do to mitigate the impacts of increased tariffs? 

Diversifying supply chains is critical. Businesses should explore sourcing alternatives, including domestic production. Additionally, clear communication with consumers about the impacts of tariffs—such as breaking down costs on receipts—can raise awareness and drive advocacy. 

Will there be reforms to the 321 Program? 

Changes to the de minimis program under Section 321 are likely, with restrictions expected on categories like apparel and footwear. Companies should monitor legislative developments to adapt their strategies accordingly.

Advocacy and Engagement

How can companies advocate for their policy priorities and when should they engage with the new administration? 

Early engagement is essential. Advocacy efforts should begin as soon as the administration and Congress take office, emphasizing the industry’s economic contributions and the impacts of proposed policies. Coordinated campaigns, like participation in OIA’s Capitol Summit, are effective in amplifying these efforts. 

Will there be opportunities for coordinated advocacy efforts? 

Yes, coordinated advocacy initiatives, such as Capitol Summit and coalition campaigns, will provide platforms for engaging policymakers. Businesses are encouraged to join these efforts to ensure their voices are heard. OIA is here to facilitate any advocacy efforts that members are interested in. 

Broader Sustainability and Regulatory Trends

Do you see a shift in how retailers approach sustainability and climate goals? 

 Retailers were the among the first to incentivize sustainable practices, such as circularity, setting targets for emissions, and reduced packaging, from their supplying brands. After the election, there has been no indication that outdoor retailers will de-emphasize their sustainability and climate goals. They are committed to science-based targets and still have to comply with European regulations. 

What trends in sustainability should companies prepare for? 

 Regulatory focus is shifting toward circularity, with initiatives like California’s textile circularity laws paving the way. Businesses should prepare to align with sustainability goals through durable, repairable, and recyclable product designs. European regulation if often reflected in emerging state regulations, so supply chain traceability and data transparency could also be on the horizon. 

Looking Ahead

The post-election environment presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses. Tariffs, trade policies, and sustainability regulations will require strategic planning and advocacy. By staying informed and engaged, companies can navigate these changes effectively, ensuring resilience and long-term success. 

You can watch the full webinar recording here. For further discussion or questions, feel free to reach out to ga@outdoorindustry.org or join our upcoming webinars to stay ahead of policy developments!