Major White House Trade Announcements Impacting Tariffs and De Minimis Rules
Last week, the White House announced several trade developments that could affect sportfishing businesses reliant on imported goods. These changes include modified tariff rates under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and new restrictions on de minimis shipments.
On July 31st, President Trump signed an executive order modifying the existing 10% IEEPA tariff rate to new country-specific reciprocal tariffs, set to take effect seven days from the order’s signing. Countries listed in Annex I of the order will face a range of tariff rates, while all others will continue under the 10% baseline. A comprehensive list of every country’s modified reciprocal tariff rate can be found here. Although these IEEPA rates are currently enforceable, the outcome of a legal challenge to these tariffs could determine the long-term viability of these actions.
On July 30th, a separate executive order eliminated de minimis treatment for imports valued at or under $800 from all countries. As a result of this decision, goods not sent through the international postal system will be subject to all applicable duties, including IEEPA tariffs. The change becomes effective August 29, 2025.
Click below to read our alert about recent trade developments.
SHARKED Act Clears Senate Commerce Committee, Contact Your Senator
On July 30, the Senate Commerce Committee voted to advance the Supporting the Health of Aquatic Systems through Research, Knowledge, and Enhanced Dialogue (SHARKED) Act. This priority bill would direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a task force dedicated to mitigating shark depredation, which is the consumption of a hooked fish before the angler can land it.
With shark depredation being a frequent occurrence among anglers, approval of the SHARKED Act is more important than ever. Please click the link below to send a letter to your Senator requesting their support of the SHARKED Act.
ASA Submits Letter Requesting Marine Mammal Protection Act Amendments
Today, ASA submitted a letter to the House Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries urging leadership to consider amendments to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). While ASA cares about healthy oceans and sustainable marine mammal populations, the MMPA is in need of updating to better conserve marine mammals while recognizing the needs and contributions of America’s recreational fishing community. Notable examples of challenges resulting from current statute include the proposed North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Speed Rule and difficulties in controlling pinniped predation of salmon in the Pacific Northwest. The proposed amendments intend to solve these issues by clarifying the MMPA’s boundaries, while also reiterating support for its core conservation mission.
Click below to read the full letter.
Florida Legislators Attend ICAST To Examine Industry Impact
Last month, ASA welcomed Florida legislators to ICAST to experience the impact of the sportfishing industry in the Sunshine State. Throughout the show, legislators attended tours hosted by ASA Government Affairs team members Martha Guyas and Gary Jennings, where they discussed ASA priorities and strategies to assist Florida’s recreational fisheries and fishing industry. Legislators also met with local businesses to understand the issues that impact their constituents, while further learning about how the laws they enact affect the industry more broadly.
Among the bipartisan delegation of Florida legislators who attended were Rep. Robert Brackett, Rep. Lindsay Cross, Rep. Sam Greco, Rep. Jennifer Canady, Rep. Toby Overdorf, and Rep. Taylor Yarkosky. The Senators in attendance included Sen. Kristen Arrington, Sen. Stan McClain, and Sen. Keith Truenow. ASA thanks these legislators for their commitment to understanding our industry, and we look forward to welcoming them again next year.
ASA Applauds Senate Confirmation of Brian Nesvik as Director of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Last week, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Brian Nesvik as Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Nesvik enters this position with over 29 years of service as Wyoming’s Game and Fish Department director, where he had the opportunity to work on countless issues affecting our public lands and fisheries. ASA applauds the confirmation of Nesvik, and we look forward to continuing our meaningful work alongside the USFWS under his leadership.
Click below to read more about Brian Nesvik.
About The American Sportfishing Association
The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is the sportfishing industry’s trade association committed to representing the interests of the sportfishing and boating industries as well as the entire sportfishing community. We give the industry and anglers a unified voice when emerging laws and policies could significantly affect sportfishing business or sportfishing itself. ASA invests in long-term ventures to ensure the industry will remain strong and prosperous, as well as safeguard and promote the enduring economic, conservation and social values of sportfishing in America. ASA also gives America’s 55 million anglers a voice in policy decisions that affect their ability to sustainably fish on our nation’s waterways through Keep America Fishing, our national angler advocacy campaign. America’s anglers generate nearly $50 billion in retail sales with a $125 billion impact on the nation’s economy creating employment for 800,000 people.
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