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The White House has announced a series of trade actions under President Trump's America First Trade Policy, which could impact the recreational boating industry. These include:

·       Reinstating Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum imports at 25% each, effective March 12.

 

·       A 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, which will take effect March 4.

 

·       An additional 10% tariff on all imports from China, announced February 26, bringing the total tariff on Chinese imports to 20% after the initial 10% hike.

 

·       A new Section 232 investigation into copper imports, announced February 25, to assess potential national security risks.

While the imposition of new tariffs was not directly included in the President’s America First Trade Policy, the presidential memorandum issued on January 20 provides the framework and direction for a comprehensive review of current U.S. trade and economic policies that are expected to lead to a series of recommendations that are due to the President on April 1. Now that the President’s trade and economic team is fully in place, it is expected that the actions directed in this memorandum will be further accelerated.

Earlier this week, the Senate confirmed Jamieson Greer as the new U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) with a 56-43 vote. Greer, a former chief of staff to Robert Lighthizer, is expected to pursue similar trade enforcement policies.

NMMA is actively engaged with lawmakers to protect U.S. marine manufacturers, advocate for fair and reciprocal trade policies, and ensure continued access to critical materials for boat production.

USTR is requesting comments from U.S. businesses, trade associations, and the public to help identify unfair foreign trade policies that harm American manufacturers, limit market access, or distort global trade dynamics. The submission deadline is March 11. NMMA intends to submit comments and encourages members to provide feedback to help shape the industry’s comments.