Last week, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law, codifying the elimination of de minimis beginning in 2027. This industry priority will level the playing field for U.S. manufacturers and support fisheries conservation efforts.

The de minimis threshold allows imported goods valued under $800 to enter the United States duty-free and also permits overseas manufacturers to evade paying the federal excise tax on sportfishing equipment, a critical funding source for fisheries conservation and public access. To fully address the problem of foreign manufacturers avoiding the excise tax, Congress must also pass the Sporting Goods Excise Tax Modernization Act.

Last month, Governor Tim Walz signed several budget and omnibus bills into law, marking the end of Minnesota’s 2025 legislative session. Lawmakers delivered several policy wins benefiting anglers and the recreational fishing industry, including the protection of traditional tackle, aquatic invasive species funding and opening a year-round bass season.

Click the link below to read the full recap from ASA’s Inland Fisheries Policy Director, Connor Bevan.

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On June 3, NOAA Fisheries announced changes to fishing regulations for private vessels limiting the harvest of one school size bluefin tuna (27 to <47 inches) and charter and head boats would be permitted to retain two school sized bluefin tuna. On July 1, NOAA announced changes to this regulation following feedback from the sportfishing industry and recreational anglers. The adjusted limit allows for harvest of one bluefin tuna between 27 and 73 inches for private vessels with HMS permits and two of this size for charter and head boats.

ASA will continue to monitor this fishery as more in-season adjustments may be needed throughout 2025. Click the link below to read the full announcement from NOAA Fisheries.

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The world’s largest gathering of sportfishing equipment manufacturers, retailers and media kicks off next week in Orlando, FL. Whether you’re looking for the newest innovations in the sportfishing industry, on the water product demonstrations, fisheries conservation roundtables, or education opportunities, ICAST has something for everyone.

If you’re attending ICAST 2025, be sure to stop by the ASA booth (#1212) to learn more about our efforts and meet our staff.

Click the link below for more information on the show.

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