Trade associations representing the active lifestyle space shared their concerns with SGB Executive regarding potential tariffs, supply chain disruptions and the likelihood of an unstable economy in 2025. However, they were generally upbeat about the year ahead, with inventory levels in better shape, cooling inflation and general healthy participation rates across sports and outdoor activities.

While anxious about the impact of tariffs, including the possibility of a resurgence in inflation following the re-election of President Donald Trump, trade associations who spoke with SGB Executive are hopeful that Trump’s return to the Oval Office and his new administration will enact more favorable trade policies and reduce regulatory pressures that have impacted the economy.

SGB Executive also contacted vendors, retailers, component companies, and investment firms in the active and outdoor lifestyle space for their expectations in 2025.

Go here to read SGB Media‘s 2025 Outdoor Market Leaders Look Ahead.

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Steve Lamar
President & CEO, American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)

“AAFA members are prepared for 2025 to include an increased focus in ESG areas of workers’ rights, product safety, due diligence, decarbonization, chemical management, and extended producer responsibility. We are embracing these challenges while working to make sure any new regulatory requirements align with practical and effective policies corresponding with the tents of the THREADS protocol. 

“We also anticipate greater calls for online accountability, particularly given the innumerable threats that are lurking in a digital devalue chain of counterfeits. To combat these evil actors, who use counterfeits to finance illicit activities and terrorism and as a way to expose consumers to privacy and financial risks, we will also be advocating for the passage of the SHOP SAFE Act so that consumers can only buy authentic goods that are made properly and safely.

“Given that trade policy has been AWOL in recent years, AAFA will be working to ensure this second Trump administration understands the boundless benefits conferred by trade. As the most heavily tariffed industry in the United States—U.S. fashion accounts for only about 5 percent of all U.S. imports by value but generates more than 25 percent of all tariff revenues collected by the U.S. government—apparel, footwear and accessories companies have a strong history and perspective on how tariffs have operated. And our current system is highly regressive and misogynistic, meaning the burden falls disproportionately on women and lower-income Americans.

“As the tariff debate progresses in 2025, we will make sure policymakers understand that tariffs are taxes, a cost that is never in fashion because it is passed along to consumers through higher prices, fewer choices, or product redesign. Tariffs can play a role in supporting a robust trade agenda, but only if they are deployed in a predictable, targeted, thoughtful, and strategic manner.

“We look forward to working with leaders across agencies to foster smart trade policies, ensure responsible supply chains, and protect American IP.”

Glenn Hughes, President
American Sportfishing Association (ASA)

“The sportfishing industry is optimistic about the year ahead, fueled by the growing number of Americans who participate in recreational angling. With over 57 million Americans hitting the water last year, fishing continues to be one of the most popular outdoor activities.

“Like most industries, fishing equipment sales grew dramatically during the COVID years, but inventory struggles, competition for time, inflation, and high interest rates slowed retail sales in 2023 and 2024. Some of this cooling was caused by devastating storms in the Southeast that closed stores, damaged inventories and kept anglers off the water in the latter part of this year. We expect a rebound in this region as rebuilding efforts continue.

“Data shows us that big box retailers maintained solid sales in 2024 while independent retailers struggled due to high interest rates and inflation. It also tells us that new anglers are visiting big box stores while seasoned anglers tighten their budgets more than usual.

“We’ll also continue to see consolidation among our fishing equipment manufacturers as private equity investors look for areas of growth and good deals among businesses who need help to make it through the decade.”

Heather Mason, President
National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA)

“The year ahead presents a mix of challenges and opportunities for the bicycle industry, and I remain optimistic about our ability to navigate this evolving landscape. Over the past year, we’ve worked through pro overstock created by pandemic-era stockpiling. Aggressive discounting has helped normalize levels, but as we move forward, potential tariffs on imported goods loom as a significant concern. These tariffs could lead to increased MSRPs or narrower margins, creating pressure on retailers to adapt financially.

“Retailers must focus on maintaining financial health, carefully managing operating expenses to ensure they align with revenue. Adjustments, such as scaling back staffing or reevaluating retail footprints, may become necessary. Beyond operational changes, our industry’s greatest priority should be growing ridership. This means engaging new riders, encouraging the use of bicycles for both transportation and recreation and fostering a sense of community around our sport.

“At the NBDA, we are committed to supporting our members through this period of transformation. We’re campaigning to promote cycling, studying buyer trends to provide actionable insights, and building a collaborative community of retailers, suppliers and providers. Together, we’ll ensure the industry remains resilient, innovative, and equipped to inspire the next generation of cyclists.”

Greg Nathan, President & CEO
National Golf Foundation (NGF)

The U.S. golf industry is in an interesting and opportunistic place. The elevated levels of participation, play and engagement we’ve tracked over the past five years constitute what has emerged as a ‘new normal’ for the recreational game. Golf’s renaissance may have been jump-started by the pandemic, but the seeds of growth were already taking root through innovations in technology and accessibility and through a cultural shift that was reimagining how golf could be experienced and shared.

“The positive narrative around golf can’t be downplayed. NGF research reveals that the general public views the game far more favorably than in years past. There’s a ‘cool’ factor that’s been amplified by a democratization of golf and its voice-driven by digital creators and influencers, innovative startups, and emerging brands reshaping the sport’s culture. This transformation extends to social media, where athletes, celebrities, and everyday recreational players are changing the way the game is perceived. Pro golfers are getting in on that, too.

“While headlines about professional golf’s changing landscape may dominate the media, in the grand scheme, professional golf is a small part of a broad $100 billion-plus industry that’s driven by the play, purchases and travel of recreational golfers. As the nation’s largest pay-to-play sport, golf is unquestionably unique from other sports that way. And, right now, it’s well-positioned.”

Frank Hugelmeyer, President & CEO
National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA)

“With the recreational boating and fishing sector being the largest driver of America’s $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy, NMMA, along with our fellow members of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, [Hugelmeyer is also the Board Chair of the ORR], are optimistic that the incoming Administration and Congress will work with us to provide relief from recent economic uncertainties and the high inflation and interest rates that have negatively impacted U.S. manufacturers, retailers and consumers in recent years.

“Recreational boat sales, which are often a discretionary purchase, can act as a barometer for the larger global economy as approximately 61 percent of U.S. boat buyers have an annual household income of $100,000 or less. Some key economic conditions that new recreational boat sales rely on include healthy consumer confidence and spending power and access to affordable credit for both consumers and businesses, in addition to robust access to our waterways and a global supply chain—should these factors remain favorable in the year ahead, we would expect new boat sales to climb in 2025.”

Mark Oliva, Managing Director of Public Affairs
National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF)

The outlook for the firearm and ammunition industry looks good. The coming year, 2025, appears to be bringing a more normal “steady-state” to firearm and ammunition production that’s sadly been under attack over the last four years from the Biden-Harris administration. The promise of the incoming Trump administration to protect Second Amendment rights and eliminate needless and damaging business regulations will allow our industry to better serve those customers who choose to lawfully purchase firearms and ammunition. That begins with an end of The White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, which wrongfully colluded with the gun control group Everytown for Gun Safety to bring a baseless lawsuit against a firearm manufacturer for the criminal misuse of firearms by others—specifically criminals who have no respect for life or law. That, unfortunately, was repeated by several state attorneys general, an example of the baseless lawfare and weaponization of the judiciary to force gun control that’s been rejected by Congress and state legislatures.

“The incoming administration will likely also eliminate the punishing proposed and final rules that redefine frames and receivers and who is required to possess a federal firearms license to privately transfer a firearm. There were also punitive restrictions put in place by the Biden-Harris Commerce Department severely restricting firearm exports to overseas markets. That hurts U.S. manufacturing by not allowing them to fully compete in international markets.

“For hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, we look forward to a Department of the Interior and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that isn’t set on “bait-and-switch” endeavors that open more public land for hunting and recreational shooting but restrict the traditional ammunition through policies that are devoid of peer-reviewed, sound science. Those policies have shown no detrimental population impacts to wildlife on named National Wildlife Refuges. They only force Americans who choose to hunt to pay higher prices for more expensive and less available alternative ammunition.

“There is reason for law-abiding gun owners, hunters and recreational target shooters to look forward to 2025. When the firearm and ammunition industry can focus on bringing better products to market without the constant threat of government-subsidized special interests attacking the industry that makes lawful gun ownership and hunting available to their customers, Americans win.

Matt Carlson, President & CEO
National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA)

“Uncertainty figures to be one of the biggest challenges facing retailers and team dealers in our industry as a change in administration occurs in 2025. The hot-button issue of tariffs may have a significant impact on prices for equipment and a negative effect on consumer purchases, especially with Bloomberg‘s monthly survey of economists in mid-December raising inflation projections for 2025.

“National governing bodies need to be cognizant of the impact their rules and regulations can have on costs to the sporting goods industry and ultimately to participants. Particularly since school budgets and spending have been tightening in some areas of the country. The continued decline in the number of sports officials is another issue that needs to be resolved to ensure athletes can participate in the games and activities they enjoy.

“The good news is there are areas of opportunity and growth for athletes and this industry. More girls are capturing the excitement of flag football at the youth and high school levels. Girls’ wrestling is now a sanctioned high school sport in almost every state. Pickleball keeps growing in popularity.

“Successful dealers and retailers, whether full-line or specialty such as hockey, snow sports, or running, for example—will stay on top of these trends in sports and continue to deliver what their customers need with exceptional service and selection. They are crafting business growth opportunities outside of athletics by targeting businesses in their communities, parents’ groups, extracurricular clubs and organizations in their schools. They are embracing the latest technology and AI tools to make transactions easier for their customers, and they are advancing their brand reputations. They are stepping up to the plate!”

Terry Schalow
Executive Director, Running Industry Association (RIA)

“RIA anticipates continued growth for the run specialty channel in 2025, reprising the healthy mid-single-digit gains that the channel enjoyed in 2024.  Tariff issues and geopolitical concerns certainly could have an effect on the year, but the run specialty channel has always proved remarkably resilient in the past, and we don’t anticipate that changing.

“We see the three key drivers for growth continuing: building personal connections with existing customers, welcoming new customers and employing advanced data tools for efficiency and improved better decision-making. On that note, by exposing run specialty retailers to innovative platforms—ranging from targeted communication solutions to flexible online and in-store shopping experiences, the RIA empowers them to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

“Community events and personal interactions also remain crucial, helping retailers build loyalty among current runners while drawing newcomers from diverse backgrounds and individuals who may not fit the traditional ‘runner’ mold. This commitment to inclusion broadens the industry’s reach and drives additional revenue opportunities.

“The RIA’s support initiatives for 2025 will feature a new format for our boutique trade event, the RIA Summit, and we will continue to refine and improve our flagship benefit, the Product Data Collaborative. The PDC streamlines the management of product data and is a big part of the overall push toward embracing data-driven processes that will keep the channel competitive and foster long-term growth.” 

Craig Kirby
President & CEO, RV Industry Association  (RVIA)

“2024 was a year of resilience and adaptation for the RV industry. While we did not see the rebound we initially anticipated, there is much to be optimistic about as we head into 2025. Factors such as lower interest rates, market clarity and unwavering consumer enthusiasm for the outdoor lifestyle point to a brighter future for the RV industry, and we are anticipating RV shipments will continue to make moderate gains.

“Early in the new year, we will be sharing the findings of our newest consumer demographic study, which reveals strong purchase intent among consumers as market conditions continue to improve. We also look forward to collaborating with the incoming Administration and Congress to support key issues impacting our industry, such as reauthorizing the Great American Outdoors Act, boosting outdoor recreation and promoting the growth and vitality of the RV lifestyle nationwide.”

Nick Sargent
President, Snowsports Industry Association (SIA)

“The winter outdoor industry faces mounting challenges, from evolving regulations and weather variability to the loss of the national trade show, all demanding greater resilience and adaptability—these hurdles also present opportunities for innovation, collaboration and global alignment. In 2025, we must prioritize fostering inclusivity and diversity within winter sports while building new programs and spaces for connection and learning. By working together, both domestically and internationally, we can navigate shared headwinds and drive meaningful progress for the industry.”

Todd Smith, President & CEO
Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA)

“As we head into 2025, there are serious threats looming for our industry as it relates to tariffs. There is a strong likelihood that additional tariffs will be placed on China at the onset of the new administration, as well as the possibility of new tariffs being placed on other international trading partners throughout 2025. SFIA remains committed to seeking tariff relief for our members and the industry overall.

“There is also the potential for disruption within supply chains due to the possibility of the East & Gulf Coast Port strike resuming as early as January 16, 2025.  In partnership with other business organizations, SFIA is continuing to push for the resumption of contract talks and for a new deal prior to January 16.

“In terms of industry participation and activity, SFIA expects to see participation grow in 2025 for team sports that will be included in the upcoming LA 2028 Olympics, notably flag football, soccer, volleyball, baseball, and softball.  Additionally, participation in racquet sports is anticipated to continue its strong growth, led by tennis, pickleball, and padel.

“SFIA looks forward to continuing to work with our members and industry partners in 2025, and we are excited to launch new initiatives that will drive innovation and highlight the incredible impact of our industry.”