New tariff policies to impact marine imports - MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 5 Mar 2025 12:00 PST
Advocacy Alert © National Marine Manufacturers Association
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. The NMMA explains.
The Trump Administration has also taken several actions that will impact the sportfishing industry. These include new tariffs on critical components used in the manufacturing of sportfishing tackle and accessories. Citing failures to adequately address fentanyl shipments, President Trump announced that the delayed 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico will come into effect on March 4. He also stated that the 10% additional tariff on Chinese imports would be increased to 20% on March 4.
The recreational boating industry is a powerful economic driver, generating more than $230 billion in annual economic impact and supporting more than 812,000 jobs across the U.S. With American-made boats in demand around the world, the strength of the recreational boating industry depends on policies that protect boater access, promote manufacturing competitiveness, support infrastructure investment, and promote innovation. The annual American Boating Congress (ABC), taking place May 12-14 in Washington, D.C., provides a critical opportunity to engage directly with policymakers and ensure that recreational boating remains a priority in legislative and regulatory discussions.
NOAA is predicting that high-tide flooding is possible in many major harbors in March, including a half-dozen in the Northeast, several across New York, New Jersey, and Delaware, and a few in the Southeast, West Coast, and Gulf Coast. Hawaii is the only region where no high-tide flooding is predicted. A full moon will occur on March 14, and a new moon will occur on March 29 (ET). Higher than normal high tides and lower than normal low tides will occur around the perigean spring tide, when the moon is new and closest to Earth. Make sure to print out the tide chart for your part of the coast so that you can keep track of the water levels.
The Association of Marina Industries has accredited four more facilities as a Clean and Resilient Marinas. The AMI Clean & Resilient Marina program was started in 2022 to fill the gap to accredit marinas in states that did not have an existing Clean Marina Program or for those marinas wishing to enhance their clean marina status with both AMI's and its state's clean marina certifications. Taking the CRMP training is the first step in the process.
Suntex Marina Investors, a recognized leader setting the standard for excellence in the ownership and operation of marinas, has announced the acquisition of Conch Harbor Marina in Key West, Florida. Designated a Clean Marina by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Conch Harbor Marina is situated in one of the busiest protected marina areas in the Keys - the "Bight" -and is a premium location.
Solid State Marine, U.S. manufacturer of innovative, high-performance solid-state battery solutions for the maritime market, has announced a complete paradigm shift in battery technology with its lineup of made-in-the USA, state-of-the-art batteries, now available in all standard battery sizes to customers across North America. As the exclusive licensee for the marine industry in the U.S., bringing the only solid state power storage solutions on the market, Solid State Marine offers boaters a revolutionary battery with higher power, lighter weight in a safer package than those currently available.
More marine industry news at www.marinebusinessworld.com/NorthAmerica which we update daily. If you would like to subscribe other members of the industry to this weekly newsletter go to the 'Newsletter' tab on the menu bar and enter the details.
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media