Tariff Hikes Set to Impact Prices Across the Ski Industry
April 2025 – Majesty Skis America — Last updated April 24th
A new wave of tariff instability is hitting the outdoor industry and skiing is no exception. In addition to existing trade measures, the U.S. government has imposed a 10% universal tariff on all imported goods, along with a 20% reciprocal tariff on imports from the European Union - currently on a 90-day pause until July 2025. These tariffs affect E.U. made skis, bindings, and other equipment. In addition, proposed 25% tariffs targeting aluminum and steel from key trading partners remain a strong possibility before the next ski season kicks off.
This uncertainty matters because most modern skis, including those made in the U.S. rely on globally sourced materials such as wood cores, steel edges, and Titanal aluminum. At Majesty, our skis are proudly handcrafted in the European Union using high-performance materials that are directly impacted by these trade policies.
The Impact? Rising Costs and Uncertainty Across the Industry
It’s not just imported skis that may be affected. American-made skis and outdoor gear are also feeling the pressure, as global sourcing of raw materials and supply chain disruptions continue to drive up costs. Even domestic materials are expected to become more expensive due to limited supply and heightened demand.
U.S.-based businesses currently pay between 10% and 145% of inventory value in tariffs - essentially a federal tax - at the port of entry. This payment is due upfront, before goods are sold to retailers or consumers. While wholesale payment terms in the outdoor industry typically range from Net 60 to 120 days, these cash flow demands may become unsustainable for smaller brands and shops, especially with tight reserves, high interest rates, and a weakened U.S. dollar.
To illustrate: Last winter, we paid a 2.6% tariff on skis. Today, that has jumped to 10%. If the E.U. tariff pause expires without resolution, we could soon be pre-paying up to 30% in tariffs on skis, bindings, skins, and other gear.
Meanwhile, countries like Canada have responded with reciprocal tariffs on U.S. imports- including skis, boots, and bindings - tightening margins and driving prices higher for our Canadian customers.
What This Means for You
As trade policy shifts ripple through the global supply chain, ski equipment availability and pricing are expected to be impacted heading into the 2025–26 season. Brands importing from China, some of which face tariffs as high as 145%, are likely to see even greater cost increases than those sourcing from Europe. These changes affect the entire industry, from manufacturers and retailers to skiers on the hill.
At Majesty Skis America, we remain committed to delivering top-tier products built with performance and sustainability in mind. While cost fluctuations may be unavoidable, we’re working hard to minimize the impact wherever possible. Our goal is to maintain the quality you expect while staying compliant with evolving trade regulations.
We encourage all our customers to stay informed about these developments and how they may affect pricing across the industry. As always, we’re committed to transparency and will continue to keep you updated. Our prices remain unchanged for now, but with no clarity yet on what the effective tariff rate will be this fall, we are monitoring the situation closely and plan to revise our price lists this summer once more information becomes available.
Plan Ahead
Our advice: plan ahead. With tariff hikes and price increases likely on the horizon, now is a smart time to purchase skis, bindings, and gear for next winter. Take advantage of current inventory and sale offers while prices remain stable. It’s a great way to secure high-quality gear before changes take effect.