OIA Envisioned Future
“We are a vibrant, diverse and innovative industry, low in trade barriers and strong in revenues and profits. We are global leaders in sustainable and fair business practices and our members strive to be responsible corporate citizens where doing the right thing is the norm.”

The outdoor industry produces some of the most innovative products in the world. Our merchandise reaches all corners of the globe and enriches people’s lives by supporting healthy and active lifestyles through outdoor recreation. In a rapidly evolving global economy, fair and predictable trade is essential for our industry’s continued innovation and growth. A level playing field and access to overseas markets for outdoor products is critical to our businesses and our economy. The OIA trade policy seeks to lower costs for outdoor businesses and consumers, supports American jobs and ensures continued product innovations that are critical to the outdoor industry’s viability, while reflecting the industry values of social and environmental responsibility.

In 2011, the OIA Trade Program will:

• Ensure international trade policies support outdoor products as they move through the supply chain. Work to eliminate disproportionately high tariffs on global specialty outdoor products that have no material domestic production.
• Work to establish a delineation of specialized, innovative performance apparel and other outdoor products from mass consumer goods.
• Pursue a balanced trade agenda that recognizes outdoor companies that manufacture in the United States and works to ensure that federal trade policy does not harm their ability to make products in the United States.
• Work with federal policymakers as they develop trade policy with a stronger focus on labor and environmental standards.
• Assist our members with access to foreign markets, education about government resources and support in overcoming export barriers.
• Support federal tax policy that promotes a business environment friendly for outdoor companies. 

Corporate Responsibility
The outdoor industry strives to be a global leader in sustainable and fair business practices. Outdoor companies strive to be responsible corporate citizens where doing the right thing is the norm.

In 2011, the OIA Corporate Responsibility program will:

• Ensure widespread adoption of the Eco Index within the outdoor industry by providing the online tools and training needed to help outdoor companies improve their manufacturing processes and make products which are more sustainable for the planet.
• Ensure that the outdoor industry continues to challenge ourselves and our global partners by developing open-source tools and best practices which are on the leading edge of sustainable manufacturing and product development.
• Advocate for incentive-based government regulations that reward innovation and early adopters of sustainable business practice.