More confusion as tariff decisions overruled - MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 4 Jun 08:00 PDT
U.S. announces tariff increase on steel and aluminum imports © National Marine Manufacturers Association
On May 30, President Donald Trump announced that Section 232 tariffs on imported steel and aluminum will double from 25% to 50%, effective Wednesday, June 4. The announcement was made during a speech at U.S. Steel's Mon Valley Works-Irvin Plant near Pittsburgh PA and later confirmed in a Truth Social post.
In his remarks, President Trump stated the move would "even further secure the steel industry in the U.S." He also referenced a developing agreement involving Japan's Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel, which he said would involve significant investment while keeping U.S. Steel headquartered in Pittsburgh. Trump noted that he has not yet formally approved the deal, which remains under review.
However, last week, the U.S. Court of International Trade issued a unanimous decision that the Trump Administration's imposition of tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) exceeded the President's delegated authority under the law. It effectively nullifies the collection of fentanyl-related tariffs against products of China; the fentanyl/immigration-related tariffs of 25% imposed against non-originating products of Canada; and the fentanyl/immigration-related tariffs of 25% imposed against non-originating products of Mexico.
Also last week, the California Boating Congress was held in Sacramento. Co-hosted by NMMA, the two-day advocacy event started with the California boating community hearing from the California Business Roundtable and receiving a legislative update on key policy issues. NMMA's Chief Administrative Officer and Senior Vice President of Operations Robert Newsome delivered remarks to the attendees, highlighting the $17.3 billion annual economic impact of the recreational boating industry in California and the current state of the industry.
The Conference Board reported their Consumer Confidence Index for May 2025, showing a rise by 12.3 points to 98.0, marking the largest monthly gain in four years and ending a five-month decline. This uptick is attributed to improved consumer expectations following eased trade tensions, notably a lessening of U.S.-China trade tensions. Notably, the May data show a rise in the Expectations Index, suggesting consumers are more optimistic about future income and business conditions.
While only San Diego and Nawiliwili, on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, are likely to see flooding in June, flooding is possible in every region of the mainland U.S. except the mid-Atlantic this month. Some West Coast locations will experience their highest tides of the year in June, and certain stations are predicted to exceed the high tide flooding threshold based on tides alone. Higher water levels are most likely on or around the new moon, on June 11, and the full moon, on June 25.
In a corner of Rice University's Oshman Engineering Design Kitchen (OEDK) in Houston, Texas, a group of students is tackling a big idea: revolutionizing maritime transport with swarms of smart, self-sailing boats. The project, aptly named FleetCode, is the latest iteration of an ambitious multiyear effort to design autonomous sail craft that could one day deliver cargo, map uncharted waters or support naval operations without a single crew member on board. They are sponsored and supported by the OEDK and won the Best Aerospace or Transportation Technology Award at the 2025 Huff OEDK Engineering Design Showcase and competition.
Remigo, the European innovator behind the award-winning RemigoOne electric outboard, has launched a highly anticipated upgrade: a sleek, waterproof remote control that delivers effortless handling and next-level comfort for electric boaters. The remote pairs seamlessly with RemigoOne via a secure binding process, allowing users to switch freely between the tiller and remote operation. A versatile magnetic mount system enables intuitive placement in any orientation, while the MOB (man overboard) safety feature adds peace of mind.
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media