180. Tariffs Threaten Sustainable Brands, Even if They Manufacture in the U.S.

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on how sweeping new tariffs are already hitting the outdoor industry and reshaping the landscape for small, sustainable brands, including those that manufacture right here in the U.S.

Small outdoor businesses are being forced to make difficult choices: raise prices, delay product launches, or compromise on the sustainability promises they were founded on.

I spoke with four small business owners about how these behind-the-scenes policy changes are impacting their work, and what they wish conscious consumers like you better understood about the true cost of ethical, sustainable gear.

Featured Voices:

Gilad Nachmani — CNOC Outdoors / Minimal Gear
Rudy Glocker — Burgeon Outdoor
Deanne Buck — BRANWYN Innerwear
Nicole Wilson - Hudson Houndstooth

Key Takeaways:

The outdoor industry generates $1.2 trillion in consumer spending and supports 5 million U.S. jobs
84% of outdoor brands surveyed by the Outdoor Industry Association report being directly impacted by new tariffs
Some brands are seeing up to 40% increases in costs on essential materials and components
The expiration of the de minimis exemption means higher taxes on small international shipments under $800

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Links & Resources

CNOC / Minimal Gear: https://minimalgear.com/

Burgeon Outdoor: https://www.burgeonoutdoor.com/

BRANWYN Innerwear: https://branwyn.com/

Hudson Houndstooth: https://hudsonhoundstooth.com/

Outdoor Industry Association press release on tariffs (https://outdoorindustry.org/press-release/outdoor-industry-warns-new-tariffs-will-hurt-jobs-raise-costs-and-put-businesses-at-risk/)