The news is bubbling with tariff talk! But what does all of this mean with regards to fishing tackle tariffs?

Plain and simple, fishing tackle isn’t getting cheaper!

We all felt the shock on the first round, during the 2018/’19 China Trade War. Many consumer products including fishing tackle and fishing related equipment imported from China had a 10-25% tariffs imposed. Thankfully it eventually reduced to 7.5%. Some companies absorbed the costs initially, but for the most part the costs were passed on to consumers.

Over the past few years many brands have tried to shift manufacturing out of China to places like Malaysia, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia (among other) as well as some near-shoring to Mexico and onshoring back to the United States. BUT, with the new 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, it’s uncertain how these actions may circumvent the tariff. How much of the raw aluminum is smelted and supplied from China? How might the raw costs increase?

Then and now the uncertainty surrounding the duration of these tariffs make long-term planning difficult and complicate business decisions. Moving manufacturing operations is not a simple nor quick decision. Today, China remains a major manufacturer and importer of fishing tackle; fishing reels, rods, lures, hook and other tackle.

Brace For Round Two’s Double Whammy

ONE: On February 10, President Trump signed an Executive Order that will have direct impacts on the sportfishing industry. Executive Order 10895 increases the tariff on aluminum products from 10% to 25%, including fishing reels, reel components, and landing nets. The new duty will apply only to the aluminum components of these products and will take effect March 12, 2025.”

TWO: March 4 the 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico come into effect. Also the 10% additional tariff on Chinese imports that went into effect on February 4 would be increased to 20% on March 4, 2025.

So far this past week we have received more than a handful of “updated 2025 price schedules as a result of the recent tariff increases” from multiple tackle brands/manufacturer. We expect more as fishing tackle costs very well may increase. What’s uncertain right now is how brands and manufactures will proceed with their pricing policies. Most all of the fishing tackle we sell is strictly policed through MAP policies. These same brands that are manufacturing are also now selling direct to consumers. Will the retail prices rise but MAP remain? It’s uncertain how pricing and margin challenges will stew for both manufacturers and retailers.

At this stage of the game it’s too early to tell exactly how everything will shake out. The America Sportfishing Association (ASA) and importers are scrambling to figure things out. It’s possible (slim, but there’s a chance) there could be exceptions for fishing tackle. The ASA is hoping to have sportfishing products removed from the list because the industry already pays federal excise taxes which deposits into the Sport Fish Restoration Fund to help support the fisheries and habitat around the country.

The Days Of Increase Tariffs

As we enter this new world. It will be interesting to see if the trade war remains focused only on Canada, Mexico and China due to what is said to be measures directed at specific countries due to concerns over border security, drug trafficking, and trade imbalances. In time will the tariffs broaden?

Right now I see it giving an advantage to the value priced reels and possibly the high end. On the value side, a 25% hike will not take them too far out of the affordable range. However mid priced reels in the $300-500 range could jump out of reach for many.

Fortunately for both Shimano and Daiwa their Japanese roots remain strong. Their highest end reels may circumvent the tariffs since most are made in Japan. But where are the aluminum part actually smelted and cast? Most reels are made of aluminum but also a lot of stainless steel, titanium, brass, bronze and alloy parts.

Could Penn Fishing Tackle Company have a Philly factory come back? The Penn International Series is still made in Philly and they have a large factory. The last time I visited it was running but at very low capacity. It would be nice to see a resurgence of other models at their domestic factory. It’s a long shot but we can dream… Can you imagine Van Staal (sister company of Penn) making reels in the USA again?

Don’t think just reels. The aluminum tariffs will cover pliers, nets and other tackle too.

Just like in 2018/2019 our buying decisions are already laser focused on pricing to pass on the best value to our customers. We remain up to date on fishing tackle tariffs, the breaking news and we are tirelessly hunting for the best brands and best pricing for you.

Here’s how some well-known brands may be affected:

1. Shimano

Shimano, a major player in reels and rods, manufactures a significant portion of its products in Japan and Malaysia, but some entry- to mid-level reels, rods and other tackle is made in China. These products most likely will be subject to tariffs.

2. Daiwa

Like Shimano, Daiwa produces higher-end products in Japan but sources many mid-range reels and rods from China as well as other areas in the Far East. Tariffs may lead to price hikes.

3. Penn & Van Staal (Pure Fishing)

Penn & Van Staal, owned by Pure Fishing, produces most all of its reels in China, so tariffs will apply, except for the Penn International Series which is made in the USA. The popular Penn Battle and Fierce Series most likely will have price increases. Van Staal released price increases ranging from 5 to as high as 17% on certain items, all which take effect March 20th.

4. Rapala (Including Storm & VMC)

Many Rapala and Storm baits, as well as VMC hooks, are made in China, so tariffs will play a roll. Rapala diversified sourcing after the first trade war so the shocks this time around might not be as severe. I don’t see all brands shifting to these alternative manufacturing locations. Moving and building new manufacturing capacity is expensive and timely so it will be exciting to see how this pays off for Normark (the parent company of Rapala, Storm, Suffix, VMC, 13 Fishing, Luhr-Jensen, among others).

Rapala USA President Marcus Twidale included this statement in his Feb 19th letter to dealers, “We have actively engaged with our factory suppliers to negotiate cost reductions. Through these efforts, we have identified opportunities to mitigate the impacts and have chosen to adsorb many of the additional costs internally. As a result we have successfully limited the overall price increase on goods from China to 10% or less. In some cases, such as with our 13Fishing brand, there will be no prive increase as a result of these tariffs and duties.

5. Zebco, Quantum, Lews (Rather Outdoors)

Many budget-friendly reels and rods from Zebco and Quantum come from China and most likely will see tariffs and price increases. The company absorbed some of these costs on the first round so only time will tell what happens to retail pricing. Rumor has it there will be a price hike come April.

6. Avet, Accurate, USA Made Tackle

It’s our hope that both Avet and Accurate, two long time American made reel companies, come out on top as a result of the tariffs. This could be the only silver lining on this while tackle tariff topic. We have supported both of these brands from their early days; however they have struggled to compete with the bigger brands. Both Avet and Accurate have always made great products but importer’s pricing has kept their growth suppresses.

Navigating the Future of Fishing Tackle Tariffs & Pricing

As these new fishing tackle tariffs take hold, the tackle industry as well as the global economy faces a lot of uncertainty with unknown policy specifics, shifts and supply chain adjustments. While some brands may absorb costs or find alternative sourcing, consumers should prepare for potential price increases. Let’s hope that this works as planned and creates opportunities for American made brands to gain competitive traction in the market place. But only time will tell.

For the angling consumers, staying informed and making strategic buying decisions will be key. We’ll continue to track these developments and work hard to bring you the best tackle at the best value—because no matter what happens with trade policies, the passion for fishing never changes.