Several members of the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) joined other industry leaders, taking part in a hearing by the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship, regarding the outdoor recreation economy.
This field hearing – dubbed “Beyond the Trailhead: Supporting Outdoor Recreation in an Uncertain Economy” – noted various perspectives on how tariffs are hurting the outdoor recreation economy.
The discussion featured OIA members Travis Campbell (CEO, Eagle Creek), Mike Mojica (founder, Outdoor Element) and Trent Bush (founder and Co-CEO, ARTILECT Studio), each discussing the impact of tariffs and how their respective business are navigating ongoing uncertainty around trade.
“We are the kind of small business America should be proud of: we pay our taxes. We comply fully with our duties and regulations. We strive to be a responsible employer, a committed partner to our customers and a steward of the planet,” said Campbell. “Yet, in the wake of newly announced tariffs, it feels as though our country is systematically working against businesses like ours –raising our costs dramatically while fueling consumer anxiety that suppresses demand.”
“Small businesses like mine cannot fix this alone. We need long-term, stable trade policies that recognize the realities of modern supply chains – not punitive tariffs and uncertainty,” he continued. “The outdoor industry stands ready to work with you. Our company is prepared to be part of the solution, but we need a clear plan. Because what we’re doing now isn’t working.”
In particular, the OIA noted that 84 percent of its members said they will be impacted by tariffs, resulting in “millions of dollars in financial losses” and “affecting hundreds of outdoor products.”
