Cantwell, Ayotte Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Reduce Outdated Tariffs on Outdoor Apparel

Press Release

U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) recently introduced bipartisan legislation that would lower or eliminate outdated tariffs on recreational outerwear and support America's outdoor economy.

The bipartisan United States Optimal Use of Trade to Develop Outerwear and Outdoor Recreation Act or U.S. OUTDOOR Act would make outdoor apparel such as water-resistant jackets and pants more affordable for consumers and help outerwear retailers to create jobs, import goods, and invest in research and development of new cutting-edge performance apparel.

Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Rob Portman (R-OH), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) are cosponsoring the legislation.

The outdoor industry generates $646 billion in consumer spending annually and directly supports 6 million jobs.

Recreational performance apparel has some of the highest duty rates imposed by the U.S. government, reaching as high as 28 percent. But the high tariffs have become unnecessarily burdensome to outdoor apparel companies now that domestic manufacturing of recreational performance apparel makes up less than one percent of the total recreational apparel market.

"As Congress moves towards tax reform, it's also important that we modernize our nation's tariff schedule to address the realities of a 21st century economy," said Cantwell, a member of the Senate Committee on Finance. "This bill will modernize trade tariffs for outdoor apparel and support the growth of the State of Washington's $22 billion outdoor economy."

"The outdoor recreation industry is an integral part of New Hampshire's culture and economy - generating $4.2 billion in consumer spending in our state each year," said Ayotte, a member of the Senate Commerce Committee. "Our bill would lower costs for outdoor enthusiasts and companies that sell outdoor recreational apparel, ensuring that they can continue to thrive and create jobs."

"As a major driver of our state's economy, outdoor recreation is a fundamental component of life in the Granite State that attracts visitors from around the world," said Jeffrey Rose, commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development. "I applaud Senator Ayotte for introducing this legislation as it reflects the importance of both the manufacturing and outdoor recreation industries in New Hampshire."

"NEMO applauds Senator Ayotte for introducing legislation to lower the costs of high performance outdoor apparel. Though we aren't an apparel brand, we are part of the outdoor industry, and a balanced and reasonable approach to import duties is key for businesses like ours to invest in innovation and offer our customers the greatest value," said Cam Brensinger, Founder and CEO of NEMO Equipment, Inc., based in Dover. "We appreciate that the Senator recognizes our industry as an important part of the economy and culture of America. In 2013, nearly 50% of Americans ages six and older participated in outdoor activity and over 6 million Americans were directly employed in the outdoor recreation economy."

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