BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — The Outdoor Industry Association has sent a letter to President Donald Trump and trade officials, urging them to finish trade negotiations with China and lift recently imposed and proposed tariffs on Chinese imports.
The OIA warned "the ongoing trade war and higher tariffs will devastate one of the nation's strongest industries, which is a major contributor to the growing $887 billion outdoor recreation economy and makes up over 2 percent of U.S. GDP."
PeopleForBikes is a member of the OIA. The bike group issued a statement last week saying it was monitoring the tariff developments. It said it would make more comments following a hearing regarding proposed tariffs on imports from the EU this week.
The OIA letter said the 10% tariff on some outdoor products that took effect last September has stifled growth in the industry and further tariffs would be more damaging.
"We look forward to a successful conclusion of the negotiations with China and the immediate removal of the punitive tariffs that affect America's Main Street businesses. We stand ready to work with you on passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and additional bilateral agreements that will provide significant benefits to outdoor companies and consumers," the OIA concluded.
The letter was signed by Amy Roberts, OIA's executive director. It cc'd Larry Kudlow, the director of the National Economic Council; Robert Lighthizer, the United States Trade Representative; Steven Mnuchin, the Secretary of the Treasury; and Wilbur Ross, the Secretary of Commerce.
