The Latest on Tariffs and Their Effect on The Boating Industry – April 9th, 2025
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Below are the series of chronological events that have led to today’s current, but fluid status of Canada’s stance for tariff’s on US-Made boats.
According to the NMMA as of April 9th, NMMA Canada has been working diligently to support members by applying for tariff exemptions and is continuously engaging with Canadian officials and monitoring the situation closely to protect the marine industry from being drawn in to this broader trade dispute. This measured response by Canada provides continued, although potentially temporary, stability for cross-border marine trade.
As of the day of this notice and subject to change, boats are not captured in any tariff language on either side of the border.
Today, Wednesday, April 9th, China has increased retaliatory tariffs on American-made goods to 84% just hours after the United States increased their cumulative rate to 104%. On Monday April 7th, the Canadian Marine Retailers Association (CMRA) and NMMA Canada sent out an update on the latest information about tariffs and their effect on the boating industry to this point.
Many in our industry have shared their views on US tariffs and proposed Canadian counter measure tariffs and the devastating effect these could have on the recreational boating industry. The Canadian Marine Retailers Association (CMRA) and NMMA Canada have both filed multiple requests for remission to protect our industry.
As of today, boats are excluded from tariff under USMCA. Being excluded today does not save us from harm tomorrow and today is a critical time to remain vigilant.
As this incredibly fluid situation continues to evolve, we want to share the most current impact updates on recreational boating with perspectives from both sides of the world’s longest border.
From the USA Tariff announcement on Wednesday, April 2nd
• ➢ Canada was not listed although the new ‘baseline’ 10% tariffs could apply to select products being exported from Canada to the USA,
• ➢ The 25% ‘fentanyl’ tariff remains in place with exemptions for any products covered under USMCA,
• ➢ Boats, both new & used are exempt under circumstances as outlined in USMCA ,
• ➢ The 25% steel & aluminum tariffs remain in place,
• ➢ Canadian built autos are facing tariffs with some exemptions based on North American content & USMCA,
• ➢ Imports – into the USA – from China & Japan now face increased tariff levels (104% & 24% respectively).
From the Canadian retaliatory tariff responses April 3rd
• ➢ Phase 2 of Canada’s originally announced counter measures tariff which does include boats has not yet been implemented,
• ➢ Canada’s steel and aluminum tariff retaliatory tariff, as published March 13th remains in effect.
• ➢ New retaliatory tariffs on the auto sector have been announced.
• 25% tariffs on non-USMCA compliant fully assembled vehicles imported into Canada from the United States,
• 25% tariffs on non-Canadian and non-Mexican content of USMCA compliant fully assembled vehicles imported into Canada from the United States,
• Canada’s intention to develop a framework for auto producers that incentivizes production and investment in Canada,
According to the NMMA as of April 9th, NMMA Canada has been working diligently to support members by applying for tariff exemptions and is continuously engaging with Canadian officials and monitoring the situation closely to protect the marine industry from being drawn in to this broader trade dispute. This measured response by Canada provides continued, although potentially temporary, stability for cross-border marine trade.
As of the day of this notice and subject to change, boats are not captured in any tariff language on either side of the border. We will continue to monitor and report on the situation as it evolves.
Andy Adams – Editor
