It’s been a busy month for OIA and our members. Capitol Summit 2026 just concluded in Washington, D.C., where we brought industry leaders together for two days of advocacy training and face-to-face meetings with members of Congress.
We’ve also released new research reports, government advocacy updates, and sustainability guidance to keep our members ready for what comes next. Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to in April and what’s in store for the months ahead.
Capitol Summit 2026 Brought the Industry to Washington, D.C.
This week, leaders from across the outdoor industry were on Capitol Hill speaking with policymakers about the issues shaping the outdoor recreation economy.
Attendees advocated for sensible trade policy, protection of public lands, and environmental stewardship. The turnout and expertise we brought to Washington, D.C., reinforced what our industry can accomplish when we show up together.
We’ll be sharing detailed updates, highlights, and key wins from Capitol Summit 2026 in the coming days. Stay tuned.
CBP’s Tariff Refund Portal Is Now Live
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) launched the first phase of its IEEPA refund processing tool, the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) portal, on April 20. The initial phase is limited to certain unliquidated entries and certain entries within 80 days of liquidation, though CBP plans to add more functionality in the future to address complex refunds.
To receive refunds, importers must have an account in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) portal and be enrolled to receive electronic payments via ACH. Immediate enrollment is essential.
OIA members can access Mobilize to join the OIA Trade Advisory Council for updates and guidance as trade policy developments unfold.
Not a member? Get in touch to learn more.
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Metal Tariff Revisions Deliver a Win for the Outdoor Industry
On April 2, President Trump issued a proclamation revising the scope of Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper products. The changes remove duties on goods like camping chairs and certain fishing equipment, exempt products with 15% or less metal content by weight, and terminate inclusion processes that threatened to expand tariffs to other products.
This outcome is a direct result of our members’ advocacy. Trade Advisory Council members worked tirelessly through dozens of conversations with representatives of Congress, detailed public comments, and a direct meeting with the official overseeing Section 232 investigations. Special recognition goes to Big Agnes, Nite Ize, and NEMO for their outstanding contributions.
OIA Sustainability’s First-Ever Impact Report
2025 was a defining year for the outdoor industry, marked by unprecedented tariffs, economic pressure, and mounting compliance obligations. Throughout it all, engagement in OIA’s sustainability programs strengthened, with more than 500 individuals from 118 companies actively participating during the year.
OIA Sustainability’s 2025 Impact Report captures a year in which the industry chose collaboration over retreat and made collective progress across climate, chemistry, and compliance. The report covers Climate Action Corps milestones, Clean Chemistry and Materials Coalition progress, expanded compliance resources, and highlights from the launch of OIA Learning and the virtual Catalyst Conference.
Read the report to see what OIA’s sustainability program offered members in 2025 and contact us to learn how your company can participate.
Understand the EU’s Finalized Sustainability
The EU’s Omnibus Simplification Package has finalized the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), resulting in significant implications for the outdoor industry.
The OIA sustainability team and Francesca Fina of Ohana Public Affairs recently hosted a webinar to break down what the finalized requirements include, which companies now fall within scope, and how these directives could indirectly affect outdoor brands that sit outside the thresholds.
OIA Support Plus and Leadership members can access the on-demand recording in the membership portal.
If you’re not a member but want to attend these sessions, connect with our team.
Prepare for the EU’s Textile EPR Requirements
The EU’s Waste Framework Directive (WFD), amended in 2025, introduces Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements for textiles and footwear across all EU Member States. It applies to any company placing textile or footwear products on the EU market, regardless of where they are based.
With Member States required to establish EPR schemes by April 2028, understanding the scope, timelines, and country-by-country requirements is essential for brands operating or selling in Europe. OIA’s new policy brief gives outdoor companies a practical overview of what the WFD requires, how existing textile EPR programs will align with the directive, and what products and producers are in scope.
The brief is available now to OIA Support Plus and Leadership members.
If you’re not a member, reach out to get your team access to in-depth policy resources like this one.
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Tariffs Are Impacting Outdoor Retail Performance
Outdoor product sales in the Athletic Specialty and Sporting Goods (ASSG) channel finished 2025 slightly below 2024 levels, as tariff-driven price increases dampened consumer spending throughout the year.
Our 2026 Outdoor Retail Sales Trends Report provides a category-by-category breakdown of the channel’s performance. Footwear was the bright spot, led by running and running-inspired shoes across men’s, women’s, and children’s segments. Apparel spending was concentrated in trend and lifestyle categories, while equipment declined overall with pockets of growth in water sports, backpacking, and gear maintenance.
Access the full report in the membership portal to inform your product development, pricing strategy, and marketing investments.
Not a member? Download the Executive Summary for the key findings and market implications.
Casual Participants Are Fueling Running’s Growth
Running is one of the most popular and accessible forms of outdoor recreation in America, and participation continues to grow across both road and trail surfaces. Much of that growth is coming from casual, lower-frequency runners who integrate the sport into their broader fitness routine.
Our 2026 Running Report takes a detailed look at what’s driving these trends. Road running remains one of the highest-participation outdoor activities, with casual participants offsetting softness in the core segment. Trail running has become one of the most diverse and inclusive segments in outdoor recreation, with casual runners accounting for the majority of new entrants.
Support Plus and Leadership members can access the full report in the membership portal.
Support members and non-members can download the Executive Summary for an overview of the findings.
Switchback Spring Is Heading to New Orleans
Switchback Spring takes place June 16–18. The three-day event features dozens of expert-led educational sessions and an interactive exhibit hall where retailers and brands can connect.
OIA members get booth discounts and complimentary retailer passes. Register today and contact us to learn about all the benefits of joining OIA.
Expand Your Skills with OIA Learning
OIA Learning is the on-demand educational platform that helps outdoor businesses manage complexity, reduce risk, and make better decisions in an ever-changing industry. We currently offer more than 25 courses on sustainability compliance, government advocacy, market research, and consumer trends—and more are launching soon.
Browse OIA Learning to find courses that will help you develop skills that are valuable in the outdoor industry.
The Outdoor Foundation Is Expanding Outside Access
As OIA’s philanthropic arm, The Outdoor Foundation is working to ensure that more people—in more places—have a path to outdoor participation. Its Thrive Outside Initiative is now active in 15 communities across the country, including recent launches in Western North Carolina and Pittsburgh.
By bringing together cross-sector partners to remove barriers, the program has helped connect hundreds of thousands of children and families to meaningful time outside.
The Outdoor Foundation is also helping shape the industry’s broader conversation on participation, leading sessions at OIA Rendezvous and contributing to upcoming events like Outside Days and Switchback Spring.
Check out the great work they’re doing and contact their team to explore partnership opportunities.