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Thom Dammrich, NMMA President, reiterated the recreational boating industry’s concerns following President Trump’s formal announcement yesterday of new tariffs on steel imports (a 25 percent tariff) and aluminum imports (a 10 percent tariff) – releasing the following statement: 

“The Administration’s short-sighted decision to implement new tariffs is meant to fulfill a campaign promise rather than support robust, pro-growth trade policy. This action will hurt countless manufacturers and uniquely American industries like ours that support 650,000 American jobs and $37 billion in sales each year. 95% of all boats sold in America are made in America.  

“The recreational boating industry is disheartened that the Administration has chosen to ignore the warnings from American manufacturers, Members of Congress, and aluminum producers alike. Today’s action threatens the livelihood of Americans in aluminum and steel using industries. The President has chosen 150,000 workers in the steel and aluminum industry over the 6.5 million workers in user industries.  

“It is our hope that the Administration will look to our history as a guide, and remember that protectionist trade policies and trade wars have not, and will not, produce positive outcomes for American workers, businesses, or consumers. Aggressive tariffs backfired in the 1930s, and American manufacturers are counting on smart trade policy that promotes our national prosperity, not tit-for-tat tariffs with our oldest trading partners.”

There are 15 days until this order goes into effect – it is not too late to make your voice heard! The Administration MUST hear from you to fully understand the impact these tariffs will have on your company! Take action now – simply visit this link and fill out your information. Your letters will be sent to President Trump and Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross Jr.  

Separately, NMMA is continuing to fight the case we began engaging on in November focused on anti-dumping and countervailing duties on common alloy aluminum sheet from China. NMMA has been active on the investigation in hopes of minimizing any additional tariff. This investigation is what the NMMA federal affairs and NMMA members were in Washington addressing two weeks ago. Any tariff from this would be on top of the tariffs announced yesterday, but only apply to aluminum sheet from China. The Department of Commerce is expected to announce its determination on this tariff in April. 

Contact Nicole Vasilaros, Vice President of Federal & Legal Affairs, for more information – [email protected].