Canada holds off on tariffs for US-made boats
President Donald Trump’s fresh wave of tariffs on imported goods, including an astonishing 104 per cent duty on Chinese imports, take effect today, after the White House implemented sweeping tariffs over the weekend.
Boatmakers around the world now face heightened uncertainty, as shifting tariff regimes threaten supply chains, pricing structures and export plans.
As the US and China head into an all-out trade war, markets have been thrown into chaos, with dramatic sell-offs and increasing fears of recession.
In response to the recent US decision to impose tariffs on imported vehicles, the Canadian government has announced a targeted set of retaliatory measures that currently apply only to US-manufactured automobiles. This means, at present, Canada has not imposed tariffs on recreational boats built in the US. Canada still faces 25 per cent levies on steel and aluminum, however.
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (read news stories on the NMMA), a trade association representing boat, marine engine and accessory manufacturers in North America, confirms that — while recreational vessels remain listed among a broader group of goods identified as potential targets for future Canadian trade actions — no tariffs on US-made boats have been enacted at this time.
NMMA Canada says it continues to engage with Canadian authorities and is applying for tariff exemptions on behalf of its members. The organisation is monitoring developments closely to support the marine sector and minimise the risk of the industry being affected by the wider trade dispute.
“This measured response by Canada provides continued, though potentially temporary, stability for cross-border marine trade,” says NMMA Canada in a statement.
How countries are responding to recent trade tariffs
A 10 per cent baseline tariff on all imported goods came into force on 5 April. From today (9 April 2025), further tariffs are due to be applied, including a 104 per cent rate on goods imported from China. This has been implemented in retaliation to China announcing a 34 per cent tariff on all US goods, which will be effective from 10 April.
China has accused the White House of “bullying practices” and urged global unity in the face of Trump’s trade tactics.
Goods in transit before the 5 April deadline are not subject to the 10 per cent baseline tariff or the forthcoming reciprocal tariffs. This exemption also applies to products that have left port and were aboard vessels by midnight on 8 April.
Several countries have issued responses or are preparing countermeasures in reaction to these US tariff increases. Some have started negotiations with the White House, while others are proceeding with their own trade actions.
Press reports indicate the European Union plans to impose a 25 per cent tariff on US-manufactured boats. An official list of affected goods has not yet been released.
The EU has reportedly spent the past week revising its tariff measures, based in part on a list previously considered in 2018.
Trade policy is expected to be a key topic at the 2025 American Boating Congress, scheduled to take place from 12 to 14 May in Washington, D.C.
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