ASA President Warns of Business Closures as China Tariffs Threaten U.S. Fishing Industry
The president of the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) has issued a sobering warning: if steep tariffs on Chinese imports continue, many U.S. sportfishing companies may be forced to shut their doors.
In his first public response to the escalating trade conflict, ASA President and CEO Glenn Hughes described the situation as an “existential crisis” for the recreational fishing industry. Current retaliatory tariffs—some as high as 145%—are creating unsustainable conditions for American businesses that rely on imported components and finished goods from China.
“If the current situation persists, many U.S. sportfishing businesses will be forced to reduce operations—or close entirely,” Hughes said.
In a formal letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Hughes urged the Trump Administration to provide tariff relief for sportfishing products that cannot feasibly be sourced outside of China.
“Our industry is already heavily taxed,” he wrote. “The additional burden of excessive tariffs is pushing many companies to the brink. Uncertainty in trade policy is making it nearly impossible for businesses to plan, invest, or grow.”
While acknowledging the administration’s broader goals of correcting global trade imbalances and strengthening U.S. competitiveness, Hughes cautioned that the cost to the sportfishing industry—and especially to its small business core—could be devastating.
“This is not just a short-term challenge,” he said. “It’s a direct threat to the survival of countless businesses.”
Hughes emphasized that while the sportfishing supply chain is global, China remains the primary source for key products, especially rods and reels. “In some categories, China supplies nearly 100% of the U.S. market,” he noted. “There are very few viable alternatives.”
Although ASA members are exploring options to shift production to other countries or reshore manufacturing to the U.S., Hughes warned that such transitions are far from simple. Many alternative nations lack the infrastructure and skilled workforce, while rebuilding domestic capacity would take years of investment.
“And even for companies ready to make those investments, the volatile tariff landscape creates enormous financial risk,” Hughes said. “Lenders are hesitant, and capital is scarce for projects tied to such uncertainty.”
The impact of inaction, he added, reaches beyond the companies themselves. Higher gear prices and product shortages could reduce participation in recreational fishing—hurting local economies, shrinking conservation funding, and cutting off access to one of the country’s most beloved outdoor activities.
“We urge the Administration to act swiftly,” Hughes concluded. “We need trade agreements that restore stability, targeted tariff exclusions, and support for companies relocating or reshoring production. The future of American sportfishing, U.S. jobs, and outdoor recreation is at stake.”