Colorado's outdoor industry suffering from trade war

Colorado outdoor retail executives voice concerns about the detrimental effects of President Trump's trade war on their businesses. Travis Campbell, CEO of Eagle Creek, reported a $580,000 increase in costs due to tariffs, which forced him to freeze salaries and cut expenses. Mike Mojica, founder of Outdoor Element, raised prices for his products but faces slim profit margins and has laid off workers while relying on family to fill gaps. Trent Bush, leading Artilect, expressed worries about uncertainty and the rise of anti-American sentiment linked to tariffs. At a congressional hearing, Campbell emphasized that tariffs contribute to lower wages and fewer jobs, which could hurt the economy.

The outdoor industry, which relies on a global supply chain for specialized equipment, struggles to onshore production due to a lack of necessary skills in the U. S. Republican lawmakers argue that tariffs benefit other industries, particularly agriculture. Industry leaders continue to share their experiences and confusion regarding tariff implications, underscoring the current crisis facing small businesses.