Vermont maker Renown Skis says tariffs threaten pricing and supply chain; seeks state navigation help

Rob Golden, CEO of Renown Skis, told the joint committees that his Vermont company relies on a single contract manufacturer in Quebec and that recent tariff measures would sharply raise costs and complicate cross‑border shipments.

Golden said Renown uses a Canadian factory that has produced his skis for 10 years and that moving production to the United States or Europe is not viable: there are no comparable U.S. contract manufacturers and building a U.S. factory would cost an estimated $30 million. He said the company's current revenue approaches $2 million, the firm employs about 10 full‑time staff, and it grew roughly 40% year‑over‑year last year.

Goldensaid tariffs create multiple cost pressures: Canadian suppliers import some U.S. materials and face duties on those inputs; skis imported into the United States will face U.S. duties; and selling outside North America could trigger additional duties. He estimated the tariffs could raise Renown's costs roughly $150,000–$225,000 and would force retail ski prices up from about $950 on average toward $1,200 to cover increased duty costs, a change he warned would cut demand.

Golden outlined options the company is considering: (1) pass costs to consumers (undesirable because of lost demand); (2) ship using the de minimis rule by sending small shipments under $800 per package (impractical for large shipments); (3) complete a last‑stage manufacturing step in the United States; or (4) secure waivers or expedited customs relief if eligible. He told lawmakers his immediate need is administrative help navigating origin certificates, de minimis thresholds and any waiver pathways rather than direct financial aid.

State officials and Senator Welch's staff said they would help connect Renown to trade experts and examine USMCA certificate-of-origin options; agency staff also said they maintain outside customs experts on retainer for complex cases.