Reels, landing nets and fishing accessories hit by Trump’s 25% tariffs

Fishing reels, landing nets and tackle accessories are included in the 25% tariffs on aluminium imposed following the signing of two Executive Orders by Donald Trump.

American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the trade body for the recreational fishing industry, has updated members on the impact of the rise in tariffs from 10% which is set to come into force on March 12th.

It says that the actions expand the product scope coverage for both steel and aluminium to include a broad scope of derivative products including fishing reels and other outdoor industry products and eliminate all existing country exemptions and quota allowances.

Although the Executive Order states the action is effective next month, Customs and Border Protection has not yet released guidance on how the actions are to be implemented by US importers.

The tariffs will be applied on products entered for consumption or withdrawn from the warehouse for consumption. Particularly notable for ASA members, the aluminium content of the following products will be subject to the new 25% tariffs:

• 9507.30.2000: Fishing reels valued not over $2.70 each
• 9507.30.4000: Fishing reels valued over $2.70 but not over $8.45 each
• 9507.30.6000: Fishing reels valued over $8.45 each
• 9507.30.8000: Fishing reels, parts and accessories
• 9507.90.6000: Fishing landing nets, butterfly nets and similar nets

The order now covers imports from all territories equally, including Canada and Mexico.

Trump has also directed Administration officials to develop reciprocal tariffs, signing a Presidential Memorandum to direct the US Trade Representative and Secretary of Commerce to develop country-by-country tariffs to rebalance US trade relationships by April 1st.

“Reciprocal tariffs, or those applied to imports that are equal to the tariff that the country levies on American goods, are a priority and a campaign promise from President Trump,” said the ASA.

“The announced tariffs will likely target countries with the largest trade deficit with the US, including China, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and EU countries.

“The ASA continues to monitor these developments and work closely with the administration and Congress to support the sportfishing industry and its $230 billion impact on the US economy.”