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Last week, during the first four days of public and interagency hearings held by the U.S. Trade Representative, the recreational boating industry joined hundreds of other industries and businesses to express deep concern about the harmful effects of the escalating trade war, including 25% Section 301 tariffs, on $200 billion in Chinese imports. CLICK HERE to view a behind-the-scenes video on our industry's participation. American businesses, including those making up the uniquely American-made recreational boating industry, which sees ninety-five percent of boats sold in the U.S. made in the U.S., shared numerous examples during their testimony on how the tariffs negatively impact the U.S. economy. From increasing the cost of parts, materials and components to creating uncertainty for American businesses, the testimony shed light on the worries of countless U.S. industries spanning recreational boating to food, apparel, construction, and more. 

“When you force American companies to pay taxes on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports—parts, components and materials that these companies have relied on for decades to build quality American products that are not only sold here in the U.S. but around the globe—you’re paralyzing a significant part of the American economy. Why put American businesses and American jobs at risk when there are better ways to go about fighting unfair trade,” said Nicole Vasilaros, senior vice president of government relations and legal affairs at the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).

During the hearings, recreational boating industry leaders cautioned the administration that tariffs are not the solution to our country’s trade issues.

“Instead of these Section 301 tariffs, which do the opposite of what they’re intended to do and put our country’s economy at risk, we need to see a more strategic approach and negotiate a trade agreement with China that takes into consideration the real needs of U.S. businesses and American workers,” says Vasilaros.

Vasilaros, along with marine manufacturer executives from around the country testified this week with each outlining the specific impacts they’d see from the Section 301 tariffs. Excerpts of their written, submitted testimony, are below:

Vasilaros emphasized the effects tariffs are having on the global supply chain:

“The U.S. marine manufacturing industry relies on a competitive global market rooted in free and fair trade to deliver the world’s best marine products to consumers at home and abroad. While we recognize and support the need to deal with China’s unfair trade practices, the Administration’s proposal to levy a 10-25 percent tariff on $200 billion worth of imports will increase the harm U.S. manufacturers are already experiencing due to misguided U.S. trade policy.

“The recreational boating industry will continue to suffer the consequences as American business are subjected to compounding tariffs that disrupt global supply chains and increase the cost of U.S. manufacturing. Simply put, doubling down on bad trade policy will wreak havoc on American-made industries.”