SIA launches tariff series to protect winter outdoor businesses from rising trade costs
Park City, Utah – In a landscape increasingly defined by complex trade dynamics, Snowsports Industries America (SIA) has launched an innovative four-week educational series designed to assist winter outdoor businesses in navigating the intricacies of global tariffs and regulations. The SIA Tariff Series, which commenced on May 6, 2025, aims to equip industry stakeholders with the essential knowledge and strategies needed to mitigate risks associated with importing and exporting vital products such as skis, apparel, and equipment.
With the ongoing fluctuations in tariffs and trade policies, winter outdoor businesses are facing heightened challenges. These encompass the potential pitfalls of overpayment, product misclassification, and the looming threat of rising consumer costs. According to industry reports, tariffs have already begun to signal increased prices for consumers, raising concerns about the economic viability of small and medium-sized enterprises within the sector. The SIA’s initiative represents a proactive step toward safeguarding industry interests.
The Tariff Series features expert-led sessions with prominent figures such as trade attorney Joseph Brubaker and senior trade analyst Misty Gibbins. Each weekly session will tackle critical topics ranging from retaliatory tariffs imposed by China and Asia to the ramifications of USMCA for businesses operating in North America. Given the multifaceted nature of trade regulations, this series aims to clarify the often opaque landscape, empowering businesses with actionable insights.
Nick Sargent, president of SIA, articulated the necessity of this educational effort, stating, “We’ve created the SIA Tariff Series to be your first line of defense in navigating tariff issues, led by trade pros and tailored for winter outdoor businesses.” His comments underscore the commitment to providing valuable industry-specific resources at a time when the sector is under significant strain.
The broader implications of tariffs on the outdoor industry have drawn concern from various stakeholders. In February 2025, the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) noted that rising tariffs could jeopardise the $1.2 trillion industry and over 5 million jobs, calling for a balanced trade agenda that prioritises growth. This sentiment is echoed by Sargent, who has been vocal about the detrimental effects of tariff hikes on consumers and local businesses. He argues that escalating trade restrictions could stifle innovation and limit market access for emerging brands.
Moreover, for many businesses, the cost of compliance with these evolving tariffs is becoming prohibitive, particularly for small enterprises unable to swiftly relocate production or absorb increased costs. As highlighted in recent discussions surrounding the impact of tariffs on the sports and fitness products industry, such financial burdens risk alienating a significant consumer base, ultimately hindering overall market growth.
This latest educational initiative embodies SIA’s longstanding commitment to support its members through adversity. Since its establishment, SIA has consistently sought to adapt to the changing needs of the winter outdoor sector, having previously launched comprehensive platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic to address associated challenges. The proactive approach seen in the Tariff Series aligns with ongoing advocacy efforts aimed at ensuring that policymakers consider the implications of their trade decisions on the industry’s future.
As winter outdoor businesses engage with this new resource, expectations are high that the SIA Tariff Series will foster a more informed approach to navigating trade complexities, thus enabling the industry to remain resilient. With the latest sessions set to run through May 29, 2025, participating companies are hopeful that the knowledge gained will not only shield them from immediate risks but also position them for future growth in a rapidly evolving marketplace.