---
title: "HFA Submits Comments to USTR Regarding Trade Policy"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/db6602b8-b76a-4e18-8023-32dee7cfb420
source: "IHRSA / Health & Fitness Association"
original_url: https://www.healthandfitness.org/hfa-submits-comments-to-ustr-regarding-trade-policy/
author: "Pamela Kufahl"
category: "Fitness"
industry: "Fitness"
published: 2026-07-13T19:09:46.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T11:57:46.412Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1517836357463-d25dfeac3438?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# HFA Submits Comments to USTR Regarding Trade Policy

**TL;DR:** The Health & Fitness Association (HFA) submitted comments to the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) on two trade policy dockets regarding tariffs and reciprocal tariff reductions with China. HFA advocated for excluding exercise equipment from tariffs and designating it as a non-sensitive product for negotiation.

*By Pamela Kufahl, originally published in IHRSA / Health & Fitness Association on 2026-07-13. [Read the original](https://www.healthandfitness.org/hfa-submits-comments-to-ustr-regarding-trade-policy/).*

## Story

This week, HFA submitted comments to the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) on two important trade policy dockets that could have significant implications for exercise equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and fitness facility operators.

USTR sought comment on proposed tariffs from its Section 301 forced labor investigation, including possible product exclusions based on domestic availability and economic impact.

HFA advocated excluding exercise/rehabilitation equipment and critical components, citing irreplaceable global supply chains and the industry’s role in public health, chronic disease prevention, and military readiness.

USTR proposed a new Board to identify non-sensitive products for reciprocal tariff reductions with China.

HFA recommended designating exercise equipment as “non-sensitive” and eligible for negotiation, prioritizing products that boost U.S. manufacturing and affordability, and setting criteria recognizing public health, productivity, and military readiness benefits.

Thanks to member operators, manufacturers, and suppliers whose data strengthened these submissions — and thank you for helping HFA advocate for trade policy that supports the fitness industry.

## Entities

- Fitness (sector)
- fitness industry (topic)
- China (location)
- IHRSA / Health & Fitness Association (publication)
- Health & Fitness Association (company)
- tariffs (topic)
- trade policy (topic)
- Pamela Kufahl (person)
- Office of the US Trade Representative (regulator)

---
Originally reported by Pamela Kufahl, IHRSA / Health & Fitness Association (https://www.healthandfitness.org/hfa-submits-comments-to-ustr-regarding-trade-policy/). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/db6602b8-b76a-4e18-8023-32dee7cfb420).