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The ever-evolving tariff situation and the confusion it has caused in the US has brought a boon for American-made brands in the fishing tackle industry.
This month Angling International has talked to three brands renowned for manufacturing in the US – ROSCO Specialty Inc, Cashion Rods and Kistler Rods – and all three report the same, an increase in business enquiries.
Cashion Rods believes that between strong sales in its brand and increased OEM demand it will hit 100% of its factory capacity this year even after moving into a larger location.
Founder of the business Matt Cashion told Angling International that after the recent announcements on tariffs the business has been in contact with numerous manufacturers to discuss potential OEM projects.
“There has always been a demand for American-made products and our success is evidence of that. With the current cultural and political climate here in the US, that segment is growing and the tariffs will only accelerate that.
“Obviously the tariff situation still has a lot of unknowns, but if the end result allows Cashion and other truly American-made brands to maintain price while imported product retails are adjusted up, it will give our brand an advantage.”
Trey Kister, founder of Texas-based Kistler Rods added: “Yes, we have absolutely seen a shift. Customers are more aware now of where their products come from especially after the COVID era shortages and now the tariff increases.
“We have seen as much as 15% to 20% increase in customers telling us they are buying Kistler rods because they are made in America – and that’s growing. American made isn’t a fad, it’s a movement.”
Jack Butts owner of ROSCO Specialty Inc, owner of the ROSCO, Sampo and Donnmar brands, celebrates the company’s centenary next year as a proud manufacturer of terminal tackle made in the USA. He said: “We have seen an increase in quote requests from American companies that are trying to source home-made products.
“Some of these are turning into new customers, but time will tell when the bite from tariffs set in. A lot of companies ‘front-loaded’ a supply of their imports to get ahead of tariffs and some might be waiting for more certainty on the size and scope of tariffs.”
