On March 11, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) submitted comments to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) regarding unfair trade practices affecting the U.S. recreational boating industry. The letter highlights the recreational boating industry's $230 billion economic impact, the 812,000 jobs our industry supports, and the fact that 95% of boats sold in the U.S. are made in the U.S. In the letter, NMMA urged the administration to remove trade barriers and protect U.S. marine manufacturers from unfair foreign policies. This NMMA comment is only one piece of continued advocacy on behalf of the recreational boating industry. NMMA is in constant contact with elected leaders and policymakers regarding unfair trade practices and ongoing impacts as a result of tariffs.
NMMA’s letter to USTR came the day before the Trump administration’s Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum imports took effect, imposing a 25% tariff on all imported steel and aluminum. In response, the EU announced $28 billion worth of retaliatory tariffs, which include U.S.-manufactured recreational boats, while Canada levied retaliatory tariffs on $21 billion worth of U.S. goods but excluded boats from that list.
The American recreational boating industry relies heavily on materials like steel and aluminum for boat manufacturing. The reinstated tariffs are expected to increase production costs and disrupt supply chains. Additionally, the EU’s retaliatory tariffs will hinder market access for U.S.-manufactured recreational boats, adversely affecting American manufacturers, workers, and small businesses within the industry.
In its comments to USTR, NMMA emphasized a nuanced and targeted approach to tariffs and underscored the detrimental impact retaliatory tariffs have on the recreational boating industry. When the EU first imposed a 25% tariff on American-made boats in 2018, U.S. boat exports to the EU dropped 22% in just one year, resulting in a $70 million loss in revenue for American manufacturers. At the same time, exports to the UK fell 41%, further compounding the economic damage.
NMMA encourages members to review the Customs and Border Protection’s
guidance on requirements to qualify and USMCA’s
Certificate of Origin requirements, as a 25% tariff remains on products that do not satisfy USMCA’s rules of origin.
For more information on NMMA’s trade advocacy efforts or to discuss the impact of tariffs on your business, please contact Clay Crabtree, NMMA Senior Director of Public Policy, at
[email protected].
NMMA remains committed to advocating for policies that protect the recreational boating industry and ensure its continued growth and success.
