Ayotte-Cantwell Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Reduce Outdated Tariffs on Outdoor Apparel

Press Release

U.S. Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) this week reintroduced bipartisan legislation that would lower or eliminate outdated tariffs on recreational outerwear and support America's outdoor economy.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Use of Trade to Develop Outerwear and Outdoor Recreation Act (U.S. OUTDOOR Act) would modernize tariffs that were originally enacted to protect domestic manufacturing of outerwear performance apparel. In July 2007, the United States International Trade Commission found that recreational performance apparel produced in the U.S. makes up less than 1 percent of the total recreational performance market. The bill 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.

"New Hampshire's economy relies on the outdoor recreation industry, which generates $4.2 billion in consumer spending in our state each year," said Senator Ayotte, a member of the Senate Commerce Committee. "This legislation would lower costs for outdoor enthusiasts and companies that sell outdoor recreational apparel, ensuring that they can continue to thrive and create jobs."

"This legislation will modernize tariffs on outdoor apparel that no longer make sense, and reduce costs for an outdoor recreation industry that supports 226,000 jobs in Washington state," said Senator Cantwell, a member of the Senate Committee on Finance. "The bill will make long-overdue adjustments to these outdated tariffs that will lead to lower costs for consumers and businesses, and encourage growth in our state's $22 billion outdoor economy."

"Outdoor recreation is an essential component of life in the Granite State and 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 the manufacturing and outdoor recreation industries play in our economy in New Hampshire."

"We appreciate Senator Ayotte's continued support for outdoor recreation, and we applaud her efforts to keep tariffs on outdoor gear low, and thereby support Timberland's place in the outdoor economy," said Stewart Whitney, Brand President of Timberland, which is based in Stratham, New Hampshire.

The legislation would:

* Create a unique classification specific to recreation performance outerwear in the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

* Eliminate or reduce the duties on these new classifications.

* Create a Sustainable Textile and Apparel Research (STAR) Fund to help the U.S.
textile and apparel industry maintain a leading edge in the research and development of environmentally sustainable technologies by establishing a 10-year assessment of 1.5 percent on the value of imports of recreational performance outerwear. A Board of Directors comprised of importing and domestic industry representatives will oversee distribution of STAR funds to entities that, among other qualifications, have more than 10 years of experience in operating programs that align with sustainable business philosophies of U.S. outdoor recreation companies.

* Support U.S. jobs and technologies focused on research programs and services towards sustainable, eco-friendly supply chains.

Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) are cosponsoring the legislation, which is also supported by the American Apparel & Footwear Association, Eastern Mountain Sports, Kamik Boots, NEMO Equipment, New Balance and the Outdoor Industry Association.

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