President Trump’s Joint Address Puts Spotlight on American Manufacturing
During his Joint Address to Congress last night, President Trump reinforced his administration’s commitment to protecting American manufacturing and enforcing stronger trade policies. Earlier this week, the White House released its 2025 Trade Policy Agenda, outlining plans to pursue reciprocal tariffs, address trade imbalances, and revisit duties on key materials like steel and aluminum.
As a strong American industry, recreational boating supports 812,000 U.S. jobs and contributes $230 billion annually to the economy. Our industry depends on affordable raw materials and access to global markets, and past trade actions have demonstrated the risks of broad-based tariffs that raise costs and invite retaliation from key trading partners.
NMMA’s Call for a Targeted Approach
NMMA supports efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing and ensure a fair global playing field, but it’s critical that trade policies do not unintentionally harm American industries. If tariffs on steel and aluminum are reinstated, boat manufacturers will face higher input costs, impacting production and affordability for consumers. Similarly, if key trading partners respond with retaliatory tariffs, it could jeopardize billions in U.S. boat exports.
Following the President’s address, NMMA President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer emphasized the importance of a nuanced and measured approach to trade enforcement:
"President Trump is right to focus on strengthening American manufacturing, and we appreciate the administration’s commitment to fair trade. However, it’s essential that tariff and trade policies are structured in a way that support U.S. industries rather than creating unintended challenges. The recreational boating industry is a prime example of American success, but global competitiveness depends on policies that enhance—not hinder—growth."
NMMA is actively engaging with the administration and Congress to ensure trade policies reflect the realities of American manufacturers, protecting jobs, supply chains, and global market access.
For more information on NMMA’s trade priorities, reach out to NMMA's senior director of public policy, Clay Crabtree, at [email protected].
As a strong American industry, recreational boating supports 812,000 U.S. jobs and contributes $230 billion annually to the economy. Our industry depends on affordable raw materials and access to global markets, and past trade actions have demonstrated the risks of broad-based tariffs that raise costs and invite retaliation from key trading partners.
NMMA’s Call for a Targeted Approach
NMMA supports efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing and ensure a fair global playing field, but it’s critical that trade policies do not unintentionally harm American industries. If tariffs on steel and aluminum are reinstated, boat manufacturers will face higher input costs, impacting production and affordability for consumers. Similarly, if key trading partners respond with retaliatory tariffs, it could jeopardize billions in U.S. boat exports.
Following the President’s address, NMMA President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer emphasized the importance of a nuanced and measured approach to trade enforcement:
"President Trump is right to focus on strengthening American manufacturing, and we appreciate the administration’s commitment to fair trade. However, it’s essential that tariff and trade policies are structured in a way that support U.S. industries rather than creating unintended challenges. The recreational boating industry is a prime example of American success, but global competitiveness depends on policies that enhance—not hinder—growth."
NMMA is actively engaging with the administration and Congress to ensure trade policies reflect the realities of American manufacturers, protecting jobs, supply chains, and global market access.
For more information on NMMA’s trade priorities, reach out to NMMA's senior director of public policy, Clay Crabtree, at [email protected].