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The body that represents the recreational fishing industry in the US has warned that companies will go out of business if the current trade war continues at its present rate of 145% retaliatory tariffs on China.
In a first public response to the tariffs situation, Glenn Hughes, President and CEO of the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), says that the ‘stakes are high’ adding: “If the current situation persists many US sportfishing businesses will be forced to reduce operations or close their doors entirely.”
Hughes (above) has called on the Trump Administration to consider tariff exclusions for categories of sportfishing equipment for which there are no practical alternatives to China sourcing.
In a letter to the US Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent, he wrote: “The sportfishing industry is already heavily taxed. However, this burden combined with sustained high tariffs and the unpredictable trade environment we face today had put many businesses at breaking point.
“While we appreciate the Administration’s broad efforts to address global trade imbalances and strengthen US competitiveness, we are increasingly concerned that ongoing trade uncertainty is undermining our industry’s ability to plan, invest and thrive. Without clarity and timely action on tariff relief, many of our members, particularly small businesses that make up a substantial portion of our industry, are at risk of serious financial harm in addition to the losses they have already experienced. For many this is an existential crisis.
“Sportfishing equipment is a globally sourced supply chain, with components and finished products coming from dozens of countries. But the simple reality is that a significant share of imports – and in some categories, nearly the entire market – comes from China. For example, there are relatively few domestic manufacturers of rods and reels. The majority of anglers rely on imported rods and reels that sell at a lower price point.
“Our members are actively exploring options to shift production to other countries or bring it closer to home, but that is not a short-term or simple fix.
“Many of the countries being considered as alternatives simply do not have the necessary manufacturing infrastructure or skilled workforce to produce sportfishing equipment at the volume and quality required. Building out those capabilities, or creating them domestically, is an expensive, years-long process. Onshoring production to the US is not viable in most cases – not due to lack of will, but due to a lack of available expertise, tooling and cost competitiveness.
“And even for companies willing to invest in these transitions, the ever-changing nature of tariffs and trade rules makes it incredibly difficult to commit with confidence.”
He added that these problems were compounded by the fact that many companies are unable to secure the financing necessary to pursue onshoring investment. “Reasonable lending rates are scarce and financial institutions are hesitant to back manufacturing projects that carry this level of uncertainty – particularly those tied to volatile trade relationships with China.”
The effects on the industry if the situation persists, said Hughes, would not only cost American jobs, but reduce the availability and affordability of fishing equipment for millions of anglers. “That, in turn, would mean fewer people fishing – undermining conservation funding, harming local economies that depend on outdoor recreation and diminishing the social, mental and physical benefits that fishing brings to individuals and communities across the country.
“We urge the Administration to move swiftly to provide greater certainty and relief for the businesses we represent. Specifically, we encourage you to conclude trade agreements as soon as possible to offer companies the predictability they need. We also urge you to consider tariff exclusions for categories of sportfishing equipment for which there are no practical alternatives to Chinese sourcing.
“And finally, we would support the development of targeted programmes to help companies transition their supply chains through nearshoring or onshoring, where feasible. We are committed to being a constructive partner in these discussions and stand ready to work with you toward solutions that preserve American businesses, protect US jobs and support conservation and recreation.”
