Where the Archery Industry Stands with the Current Trade Policy  

The Trump administration is working to deliver on its campaign promise of fair international trade for the United States. As part of an effort to pressure trade partners into negotiations, the administration has raised tariffs on several countries with which the U.S. trades heavily, particularly China, Canada and Mexico. So far, there has been little sign of progress with China, which currently has the highest tariff rates and is responding in kind with tariffs on U.S. goods. 

The most likely impacts to the archery industry stem from tariffs on China, steel, aluminum and aluminum derivatives. In addition, the de minimis rule will be eliminated for all Chinese goods, including those from Hong Kong, beginning May 2, 2025. The de minimis rule allows goods valued under $800 to enter the U.S. duty, tariff and tax-free by one person on one day. This entry exemption will also be removed for all other countries once the commerce secretary notifies the president that systems are in place to process these shipments under the new policy. As manufacturers and trade officials navigate these new regulations, both consumers and manufacturers may see price increases and supply disruptions in archery products. 

Because the current trade policies and tariffs are being enacted through executive orders rather than regulatory or legislative action, the president and administration officials are currently the most reliable sources for trade policy and tariff implementation. Legislators have limited power to block executive orders, and any tariff exemptions will be determined by the administration—rather than through the implementing agency’s normal administrative process, with defined actions to make comments or petition for product exemptions.  

The Archery Trade Association is closely monitoring the situation and is actively providing feedback to agency officials and lawmakers seeking information on the impact of the tariffs. Moving forward, the situation remains extremely fluid as the White House comments on trade negotiations, causing information on the situation to change daily. Additionally, the ATA is continuing to advocate for the passage of the Sporting Goods Excise Tax Modernization Act, which seeks to level the playing field with foreign manufacturers who currently avoid contributing to the federal excise tax on archery products. 

For additional information regarding current trade policies and tariffs, visit this list of FAQs, courtesy of the American Sportfishing Association. Additional questions? Contact Dan Forster, ATA’s VP and chief conservation officer at danforster@archerytrade.org.