OIA: Apparel, Footwear And Travel Goods Won’t Face Additional Tariffs This Time

In an e-mailed note to members, Rich Harper, manager of international trade at the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), said the organization was pleased that apparel, footwear and travel goods were not included in the the retaliatory tariffs announced by President Trump on June 15.

Harper’s full note follows:

“Hello from Washington, D.C.,

“President Trump announced today that the United States will move forward with imposing $50 billion in retaliatory tariffs on certain products from China in response to concerns about its intellectual property (IP) practices and forced technology transfers.

“In a positive sign for the $887 billion outdoor recreation economy, apparel, footwear and travel goods were not included on the final list of products that will be subject to an additional 25 percent tariff beginning on July 6. A second list of products will undergo a review and public comment period before any additional tariffs are imposed.

“The initial list of products was released in April following a year-long investigation about China’s IP practices.

“OIA is pleased that apparel, footwear and travel goods have been left off the final list of products that will face additional tariffs. While this is good news for outdoor companies and consumers, we urge administration officials to continue to engage their Chinese counterparts in a constructive dialogue to resolve legitimate concerns about China’s IP practices and forced technology transfers.

“Escalating concerns about a possible trade war, China has announced that it will respond to the president’s action and target U.S. products. President Trump has also requested a second round of $100 billion in retaliatory tariffs, but it is unclear when that list of products will be released. Additional tariffs on outdoor products that are already overtaxed could have a devastating impact on outdoor companies and significantly raise costs for consumers.

“OIA will vigorously pursue legislative and administrative options to keep outdoor products off any additional lists of products subjects to retaliatory tariffs. Please contact me to share your story about how tariffs on outdoor products could affect your business and find out how you can get involved.”