Webinar: Trade Policy Town Hall

Watch OIA’s Trade Policy Town Hall as our trade experts help outdoor businesses understand and respond to the latest tariff updates. 

The recent announcement of substantial global tariffs will have real and immediate impacts on outdoor businesses, from rising costs and supply chain disruptions to uncertainty in planning and operations. At OIA, we’re focused on what matters most: protecting your business and sustaining the outdoor industry’s economic strength.

Tariff policies that increase costs on outdoor products threaten the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy, the more than 5 million American jobs it supports, and the 175.8 million Americans who love the outdoors and rely on access to affordable, high-quality outdoor gear.

What You Can Do:

As we navigate what’s next, we’ll continue to tirelessly advocate for fair, balanced trade policies that put the outdoor industry first. 

Watch the Webinar:

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

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! 

TRADE POLICY 101: DEMYSTIFYING SUPPLY CHAIN AND CUSTOMS COMPLIANCE

 

Live Date: Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Supply chain management and customs compliance policy can be daunting. Designed specifically for those new to trade policy, this final session in OIA’s Capitol Summit Series provides you with the insights and tools to successfully navigate the world of international trade, including supply chain logistics, customs regulations, and trade policy. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of key concepts including import/export procedures, tariff classifications, trade agreements, and regulatory compliance. Our panel of seasoned experts and industry reps share real-world experiences, best practices, and actionable tips to help you better understand your supply chain operations and ensure compliance with customs requirements.

Outdoor Retailer Education Session: Ask OIA Anything On Trade

OIA’s international trade program is dedicated to promoting a stable and predictable trade environment for outdoor businesses of all sizes, from domestic manufacturers to those that utilize global value chains to bring product to market. Members of OIA’s Trade Advisory Council (OIATAC) meet regularly to provide advice and guidance on new initiatives to help the bottom line of outdoor companies and to collaborate and exchange new ideas and best practices as they navigate tariffs, supply-chain disruptions, shipping costs and other challenges to their businesses. Watch our presentation from Outdoor Retailer Snow Show 2022 to learn from OIA’s outside trade counsels from Sorini Samet & Associates and members of OIATAC on the latest federal trade updates, challenges to outdoor supply chains and how OIA members are responding.

Moderator: Richard W. Harper, Jr., Director of Government Affairs, Outdoor Industry Association 

Panelists: 

Ron Sorini, Principal, Sorini, Samet & Associates, LLC

Ben Christensen, Vice President of Operations, Simms Fishing Products 

Sara Bowersox, Senior Manager of Global Trade Compliance, Keen Footwear

 

Takeaways from the session include:

  • There is broad, bi-partisan support for getting even tougher on China with regard to trade. Punitive tariffs are likely to remain in place for some time.
  • While Congress and the administration focused on domestic priorities in 2021, there’s a chance we’ll see movement on some outstanding trade items early in 2022, like renewing the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and a package of miscellaneous tariff bills.
  • Outdoor companies are dealing with unprecedented challenges in bringing products to market, from high freight costs to congestion at US ports. Work on addressing these issues has gone up considerably. Some have found success in broadening partners in freight and logistics, adding more options.
  • Looking at the year ahead, outdoor companies are looking for any opportunity to help with their bottom line, from leveraging any duty savings, streamlining supply chains to developing multiple vendor relationships.