Columbia Sportswear CEO talks tariff impact: 'We need some surety about what's going to happen'

Core Viewpoint - Columbia Sportswear's CEO emphasizes the need for clarity on global tariff decisions to effectively plan for the future, highlighting the dampening effect of current tariffs on business operations [1][2]. Tariff Impact - Tariffs are intended to increase the price of imported goods, with Columbia being one of the largest duty payers in the U.S., facing duties as high as 37.5% on some products [2]. - Although Columbia does not import much from China, the country plays a crucial role in production for local and international distribution, necessitating caution regarding future tariff changes [2]. Business Performance - Columbia has experienced growth in China and other regions but is currently focused on revitalizing its North American business, which has shown mixed performance recently [3]. - Following a mixed quarterly report and soft guidance, Columbia's shares fell by 5.70%, indicating market concerns about its North American strategy [3]. Historical Context - The company has previously underperformed in regions like China and Europe but has successfully turned those areas around through diligent efforts, suggesting a similar approach is needed for North America [4].