Tariffs have emerged as a critical concern at Sea Otter 2025, with brands like Trek and Specialized increasing prices. Silca pulled the Electrico mini electric pumps from the U.S. market, while Borealis Bikes decided against ordering inventory for 2025-26. Companies are facing harsh financial impacts, exemplified by Blue Competition Cycles' hefty tariff bill on a small parts order. Despite some companies being entirely U.S.-based, layoffs are occurring due to declining foreign interest. Advocacy group PeopleForBikes is seeking tariff relief, harkening back to the 2018 tariff exclusion scenario, hoping for similar outcomes this time.
Even companies that completely make their products in the U.S. from U.S.-made materials like Oveja Negra are having to layoff employees because foreign buyers no longer want U.S.-made goods.
It's clear that a large portion of the bicycle industry won't survive this long term...there are much larger brands already teetering on the brink of collapse.
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