Campfire and tent, credit: Forest Service USDA

June 3, 2018 - By Rich Harper - The Trump administration has announced that tariff exemptions on steel and aluminum imports from Canada, Mexico and the European Union will be allowed to expire, meaning those 30 countries will face additional tariffs of 25% on steel imports and 10% on aluminum imports.

The action follows a year-long investigation by the Department of Commerce which found that certain imports of steel and aluminum posed a threat to U.S. national security.

OIA is concerned about the potential impact to outdoor companies that source steel and aluminum from Canada, Mexico and the European Union. OIA urges the administration to continue negotiations with these key allies to resolve outstanding issues so that the tariffs may be removed.

Why It’s Important

The tariffs could significantly raise costs for products like trekking and ski poles, tent frames, carabineers, crampons, stoves and other products made in the United States by outdoor companies that source steel or aluminum from Canada, Mexico and the European Union and lead to retaliatory measures against U.S. products. Canada, Mexico and the European Union have already announced that they will impose retaliatory tariffs on billions of dollars worth of U.S. imports. The Canadian list includes U.S. sleeping bags that will be subject to a 10% tariff and the preliminary European Union list includes certain footwear products.
Source: OIA