The U.S. Department of Commerce in New Zealand is helping TheMarket.com, an online platform in New Zealand, to expand its inventory of well-known U.S. sports equipment brands. TheMarket.com has prepared this trade lead form to both introduce itself and to help identify the products it knows will fit best with its New Zealand consumers.
This is a new opportunity to expand your footprint in New Zealand.
Please contact Janet Coulthart [email protected] with the U.S. Commercial Service in Wellington, New Zealand if you’d like to be introduced to TheMarket.com.
Date: 12/9/21
As Congress works to wrap up business for the year, the heat is on to pass lapsed tariff relief programs – the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) and the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). These popular programs provide manufacturers tariff relief on products no longer made in the U.S. GSP allows for duty free import of eligible products from 120 countries with developing economies. Both programs expired at the end of 2020.
The Senate passed the U.S. Innovation and Competitiveness Act to renew the programs in July, but the House has failed to act. There is reason for optimism on action as Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Chairman of the House Ways & Means Subcommittee on Trade, raised renewal of the programs during a December 2 hearing on China Trade. Chairman Blumenauer said the programs need to be renewed with changes while Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-FL), the Subcommittee’s top republican, made renewal of the tariff programs an “urgent priority” in the effort to compete with China. Combined, MTB and GSP offer 100s of millions in potential tariff relief for SFIA member products.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce followed up a letter sent to Congressional leaders pushing for renewal of the MTB and reauthorization of the GSP in year-end legislation. The Chamber noted that failure to act on these tariff relief programs will lead toa loss of sales and jobs for Americans as we struggle to recover from the pandemic.
The Chamber pointed out that companies pay an additional $1.3 million per day due to the out-of-date and anticompetitive import tariffs on products and inputs no longer made in the U.S. They also highlighted that the MTB is not controversial, it was unanimously renewed in 2018. The U.S. International Trade Commission recommended 88 SFIA petitions for approval and the Senate included all of them in in the Senate-passed legislation to renew the MTB. SFIA members could receive up to $44 million in tariff relief annually via the MTB program.
The GSP offers duty free access to the U.S. market for more than 5,000 products produced in qualified countries with developing economies to spur economic growth and job creation. GSP products typically do not compete with domestic manufacturers. U.S. companies are paying an additional $1.3 million per day due to the out-of-date and anticompetitive import tariffs on products and inputs no longer made in the U.S.
The National Association of Manufacturers added that many GSP beneficiaries are small businesses, employing fewer than 20 employees, and GSP offers them significant savings to help their competitiveness. A majority of GSP imports are raw materials, parts. and components relied upon by U.S. companies to produce goods domestically, and increased costs harm their competitiveness. It is estimated that the lapsed GSP program is costing U.S. companies more than a $1 billion annually.
The easiest solution is for the House to approve Senate-passed legislation, which provides for limited retroactive relief. The current discussion is related to changes in the GSP eligibility, which could complicate issues and require a House-Senate Conference to reconcile any differences in the bills. Regardless of the process to get these programs renewed, there is general agreement on the need to act on these popular tariff relief programs.
Congress has a full agenda before adjourning for the year, but there will be multiple opportunities to renew MTB and reauthorize the GSP before Congress leaves town. If they fail to act, MTB and GSP will be a top priority early in 2022.
For more information on MTB and GSP please contact Bill Sells, SFIA SVP of Government & Public Affairs [email protected].
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US Chamber of Commerce
https://www.uschamber.com/international/trade-agreements/u-s-chamber-letter-on-trade-legislation
Letter (note it is from Dec 2020) but last industry letter on subject) https://www.uschamber.com/international/trade-agreements/u-s-chamber-letter-on-trade-legislation
Washington, DC, August 25, 2021 – The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) supports Congress in recent legislation proposed to ease the challenges that U.S. companies are facing with regards to shipping during the pandemic.
The Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021, introduced by Representatives John Garamendi (D-CA) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD) earlier this month would help ease some of the ongoing challenges that importers, exporters and other supply chain stakeholders are facing. The bill includes many recommendations from the U.S. retail and transport industries to address: Service Contracts, Shipping Exchange Registry, Prohibition on Retaliation, Public Disclosure, Additional Common Carrier requirements, Increased Penalties and a Modified Complaint process.
“The disruption to shipping due to the global pandemic has put intense pressure on supply chains and led to a significant increase in shipping costs.” stated Tom Cove, President & CEO, SFIA. “It is our hope that Congressional legislation combined with Administration policies will expedite a return to normal and avoid a spike in costs of getting products to market.”
SFIA signed onto a letter sent to Congress in support of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021 to help improve shipping and avoid similar problems in the future. SFIA is requesting that companies who are interested in supporting the legislation sign the letter by completing this form no later than Wednesday, September 8.
For further information please contact Bill Sells, SFIA SVP of Government and Public Affairs, at [email protected].
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ABOUT SFIA: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the #1 source for sport and fitness research, is the leading global trade association of manufacturers, retailers, and marketers in the sports products and fitness industry. SFIA seeks to promote sports and fitness participation, as well as industry vitality through research, thought leadership, public affairs, industry affairs and member services. For more information, please visit www.sfia.org.
Washington, DC, August 23, 2021 – The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Tai and Treasury Secretary Yellen urging the Administration to relaunch trade talks with China and drop some of the Section 301 Tariffs implemented under the previous Administration. SFIA joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, The Business Roundtable, The National Retail Federation and almost three dozen other leading business groups on the letter.
“The Tariffs on Chinese imports were restricting commerce prior to COVID-19 and the impact has worsened during the pandemic.” said Tom Cove, President & CEO of SFIA. “The Tariffs have not had the desired effect as China continues to dominate the manufacturing marketplace. Dropping or reducing these tariffs now, will help the industry and the U.S. economy recover faster.”
The business community is concerned that China is not living up to the terms of the “Phase One” trade deal, and many of the remaining trade issues still need to be addressed. The letter identifies the continued imposition of tariffs by both countries as inconsistent with the Biden Administration’s worker-centric philosophy. Additionally, these tariffs are contributing to inflation and price increases. Removal or reduction of the tariffs would ease the inflationary pressure on the U.S. economy and limit price increases.
You can view the letter sent to the administration here: https://www.uschina.org/advocacy/regulatory-comments-on-china/industry-letter-next-steps-after-phase-one
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ABOUT SFIA: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the #1 source for sport and fitness research, is the leading global trade association of manufacturers, retailers, and marketers in the sports products and fitness industry. SFIA seeks to promote sports and fitness participation, as well as industry vitality through research, thought leadership, public affairs, industry affairs and member services. For more information, please visit www.sfia.org.
The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program is a 50 year old trade program to help countries with developing economies by eliminating US import tariffs on products made in GSP eligible countries. SFIA members are currently making products, including bags and gloves, in GSP eligible countries.
The GSP requires Congressional renewal every three years and has traditionally been approved with broad bipartisan support. The GSP expired on December 31, 2020 and while the Senate passed legislation to renew GSP in June, the House has yet to vote on GSP renewal. SFIA encourages companies interested in GSP renewal to join SFIA in signing onto letter requesting renewal of the GSP program.
PLEASE CLICK HERE to add your name to the GSP letter.
Please contact Bill Sells, SFIA SVP for Government and Public Affairs at [email protected] for additional information.
Washington, DC, July 23, 2021 – The United Stated Trade Representative (USTR) announced Friday that the U.S. will not initiate Section 301 Tariffs of up to 25 percent on Vietnamese imports in response to currency manipulation. A USTR investigation launched in October 2020 found Vietnam intervened in foreign exchange markets using excessive and one-sided policies, and practices that placed an unreasonable burden on U.S. commerce. A subsequent U.S. Department of Treasury investigation did not collaborate the USTR findings and recommended against Section 301 tariffs on Vietnamese imports. SFIA joined other business interests on a July 14 letter to the USTR opposing the use of tariffs in response to Vietnam’s currency issues.
“This is a huge relief for our industry.” Said Tom Cove, President and CEO of the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, “ At a time when almost every one of our member companies is scrambling to address multiple supply chain challenges, it is good news to take cost increases from potential new tariffs off the table. We are grateful to the Administration for listening to our concerns.”
The USTR will now rely on an agreement between the U.S. Department of Treasury and the State Bank of Vietnam to resolve the currency issues. The USTR and Treasury will monitor Vietnam implementation of its commitments under the agreement to ensure compliance and fair valuation. Should Vietnam fail to comply with the agreement, tariffs could be applied to its imports. The Federal Register notice with background on the investigations and plan going forward can be found here.
ABOUT SFIA: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the #1 source for sport and fitness research, is the leading global trade association of manufacturers, retailers, and marketers in the sports products and fitness industry. SFIA seeks to promote sports and fitness participation, as well as industry vitality through research, thought leadership, public affairs, industry affairs and member services. For more information, please visit www.sfia.org.
Representatives re-introduce PHIT Act with strong bipartisan support in support of a healthier America
SILVER SPRING, MD (May 13, 2021) – Yesterday, the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act was re-introduced in the House of Representatives as H.R. 3109. The PHIT Act aims to help Americans save money on activity-related expenses (i.e. gym membership, sports league fees, equipment, fitness classes, etc.) to lower the financial barrier that stands between many Americans and a healthy, active lifestyle. SFIA commends Congressman Ron Kind (D-WI) for his leadership on PHIT and applauds fellow Ways & Means members, Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA), Terri Sewell (D-AL) and Darrin LaHood (R-IL) for joining Congressman Kind as original cosponsors.
“Staying active is the best preventative medicine, and it’s especially important for kids and teens as they build healthy habits,” said Rep. Ron Kind. “Unfortunately, for many families, cost can be a barrier to participating in physical activities and youth sports. The PHIT Act is a commonsense way to invest in a healthy future for our children by making it more affordable for families to ensure physical activity is a regular part of their lives.”
COVID has had a major impact on activity as many youth sports were cancelled and health clubs have largely been shuttered during the pandemic. Ironically, the less active you are, the likelihood of experiencing more severe COVID outcome is greater, should you contract the disease. This is not surprising, as sedentary people have a higher incidence of the underlying conditions that contributed to hospitalizations, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
It’s clear that active people are healthier, and the pandemic highlighted the threat posed by the inactive population. In order to lower healthcare spending, we must get more people active in the U.S. and the PHIT Act will provide an incentive to get kids back on the field, court or rink and adults into gyms and fitness classes. The financial burden of participation is rests heavy on many families across the country. The PHIT Act is the right approach to help America recover physically and mentally, not only as we emerge from the pandemic, but for better health for generations to come.
“Activity in America has suffered during COVID and we have seen an increase in both physical and mental health issues because of it,” said SFIA CEO & President, Tom Cove. “Poor health in the sedentary population is not news but the pandemic has emphasized the importance of activity in a healthy lifestyle as inactive people had far worse outcomes and put more strain on our healthcare system. We commend Congressmen Kind, Sewell, Kelly and LaHood for their leadership on the PHIT Act, to promote health by lowering the cost of activity.”
For more information on the PHIT Act, please visit www.PassPHIT.org.
ABOUT SFIA: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the #1 source for sport and fitness research, is the leading global trade association of manufacturers, retailers, and marketers in the sports products and fitness industry. SFIA seeks to promote sports and fitness participation, as well as industry vitality through research, thought leadership, public affairs, industry affairs and member services. For more information, please visit www.sfia.org.
Youth sports, health clubs, personal trainers & outdoor recreation organizations join SFIA in promoting consumer-driven economic stimulus
SILVER SPRING, MD (July 14, 2020) – In response to the economic damage, caused by COVID-19, on the active lifestyle industry, the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) is launching a campaign to promote the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act (H.R.1679/S.680) as consumer-driven economic stimulus. SFIA joins its active lifestyle partners in the youth sports, health & fitness and outdoor recreation arenas in pushing for the inclusion of PHIT in the next COVID relief package. The campaign will include three components: outreach to congress by SFIA members and others, a social media campaign around #PassPHIT4_____ and a virtual advocacy day on July 22, 2020 hosting virtual meetings with congress.
Youth sports, health clubs, fitness studios and much of outdoor recreation were early casualties of the economic shutdown and stay-at-home orders. Under the circumstances, many of these businesses and organizations are struggling to survive in an ever-changing COVID landscape. Ironically, the active population has far better prognoses and are at lower risk of experiencing the more severe symptoms of COVID-19 than the inactive population. With the additional strain COVID-19 has placed on our healthcare system, it is critical to promote health and physical activity; and without the active lifestyle industry, the American population will suffer.
PHIT would incentivize health by providing a 12 to 35 percent discount on physical activity expenditures through the use of pre-tax medical accounts. Youth sports costs, health club dues, outdoor recreation fees, sports and fitness equipment, and other expenses directly related to active lifestyles would be eligible for payment using an HSA or FSA. Currently, HSA/FSA account holders can pay for treatment of disease with their pre-tax money, but not for prevention via physical activity. PHIT is widely bipartisan, with more than 100 supporters in congress, split evenly along party lines.
Similar to the hospitality industry, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) does not help the active lifestyle industry, due to the payroll requirements for loan forgiveness. The industry relies on seasonal employees and part-time help to run leagues, tournaments, outdoor adventure expeditions, fitness classes, competitions and other forms of physical activity and recreation. Encouraging investment in these industries will help sustain them in short term and provide a platform for a healthier America moving forward.
The youth sports industry is promoting “The COVID-19 Youth Sports and Family Relief Act” (H.R.7562) to address the PPP problem using participation rates for forgiveness. The bill includes the PHIT Act to help families with youth sports costs as the country emerges from COVID. Youth sports is the foundation for active lifestyles and crucial to the future health in America. SFIA is coordinating with youth sports and other active lifestyle industries on a social media campaign during July as part of the PHIT advocacy effort. For more information on PHIT and the campaign to include PHIT in COVID stimulus, please visit www.PassPHIT.org.
SFIA hosts 21st annual National Health Through Fitness Day in Washington, DC
SILVER SPRING, MD (Feb. 17, 2020) – On March 11, 2020, the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) will be hosting the annual National Health Through Fitness Day to promote the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act. The PHIT Act, which allows Americans to use pre-tax dollars to pay for physical activity-related expenses, will help to reduce the financial barrier that stands between many Americans and an active, healthy lifestyle. This year, SFIA will be joined by celebrity athletes, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), sports and fitness industry executives, and other physical activity advocates, to discuss the importance of focusing on means of preventive care, not just treatment. Physical activity has been proven to decrease risk of chronic disease, obesity and other costly ailments that are causing astronomical healthcare expenses for our country.
In 2020, National Health Through Fitness Day takes on added significance due to the success it has seen over the past few years. Cosponsors signed on at a record pace in 2019 after the House passed PHIT in 2018 and the Senate took steps to streamline movement of PHIT at the end of the year. Just last week, PHIT advocates met with the Chairman of the Lead Congressional Tax Writing Committee to promote PHIT, and it was raised directly to Treasury Secretary Mnuchin at a Senate hearing. There is great momentum behind PHIT and on National Health Through Fitness Day, we will push for PHIT’s inclusion in a bipartisan healthcare package scheduled for a vote in May.
SFIA plans to build on this momentum to garner as much support for PHIT as possible to ensure passage during this congressional term. With the help of professional athletes, including Herschel Walker (Heisman Trophy Winner), Steve Garvey (World Series Champ), Santana Moss (NFL Pro Bowl Player), Kylie Ohlmiller (1stOverall WPLL & UWLX Draft Pick), Paul Rabil (2x MLL MVP), Eric Byrnes (Former MLB Player and ESPN Analyst), Brenda Martinez (2x Olympian), Andrew Ference (Stanley Cup Winner), Kyle Harrison (Tewaaraton Trophy Winner), Ken Harvey (4x NFL Pro Bowl Player) and John Booty (Former NFL Player), SFIA PHIT supporters will speak to the far-reaching, lifelong benefits of an active lifestyle. PHIT is a popular, bipartisan healthcare improvement bill, and we are eager to spread the message.
To learn more about the PHIT Act and SFIA’s National Health Through Fitness Day, click here.
SILVER SPRING, MD (Dec. 13, 2019) – President Trump has agreed to a limited trade deal with China, putting a stop to the additional tariffs on $156 billion of Chinese-made goods, including footwear and apparel, that were set to go into effect on Sunday. Also in this agreement, existing tariffs on about $360 billion of Chinese-made goods will be cut in half.
In exchange, China has agreed to purchase $50 billion worth of agricultural goods in 2020; however, if China does not follow through on their end, all original tariff rates will be reimposed.
“While, so far, nothing official has been published, these reports indicate very good news,” said SFIA President and CEO, Tom Cove. “If List 4B China tariffs do not go into effect on Sunday, American consumers, young athletes and active individuals across the country will greatly benefit. These tariffs have negatively impacted the sport and health industry, and we are hopeful that this trade agreement comes to fruition.”
SFIA continues to monitor these deliberations closely and will inform its members immediately as new developments take place.
The U.S. and China negotiated this deal within the last week, and is currently pending a final agreement from China.
ABOUT SFIA: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the #1 source for sport and fitness research, is the leading global trade association of manufacturers, retailers, and marketers in the sports products and fitness industry. SFIA seeks to promote sports and fitness participation, as well as industry vitality through research, thought leadership, public affairs, industry affairs and member services. For more information, please visit www.sfia.org.