Time for negotiations? EU delays tariffs on US boats
The European Commission’s move to begin a two-week postponement in implementing retaliatory tariffs on US-built boats and other American products – pushing the timeline from 1 April to mid-April – creates a key window for negotiations, says the NMMA.
The pause aligns with the expected rollout of additional US reciprocal tariffs on 2 April and opens the door for further discussion between the United States and the European Union.
EU commissioner for Trade Maroš Šefčovič said at the joint hearing of the Committee on International Trade on trade relations with the United States: “In the light of the recent announcement that the US is planning to introduce additional tariffs on 2 April, we are now considering to align the timing of the two sets of EU countermeasures, so we can consult with Member States on both lists simultaneously.
“It also gives us extra time for negotiations to try to find a mutually agreeable resolution.
“As a result, all the EU’s countermeasures that were announced on 12 March would in that case take effect in mid-April. This approach would allow us to deliver a firm, proportionate, robust and well-calibrated response to the US measures.”
The National Marine Manufacturers Associations (NMMA) and its European partner, the European Boating Industry (EBI), is using the delay to press for the removal of recreational boats from the EU’s 2018 tariff list altogether.
EBI has ramped up advocacy efforts in recent days, sending letters to European commissioner Šefcovic, EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, key members of the European parliament, and national governments. NMMA says it is working in ‘lockstep with these efforts to ensure our industry’s voice is heard’.
In a release from the NMMA, the organisation says: ‘Trade policy remains a top priority for the NMMA as we work to protect US marine manufacturing competitiveness. The association says historically, retaliatory tariffs have hindered the industry’s ability to export American-made boats to key markets, impacting jobs and businesses across the country.
‘We continue to advocate for fair and open trade policies that support American manufacturing, drive innovation, and keep our industry competitive on the global stage.’
The EU had intended to impose measures on goods from the United States worth some 26 billion euros ($28 billion) in two phases, on 1 April and 13 April. The tariffs would target steel and aluminum products, but also American beef, poultry, bourbon, motorcycles, peanut butter and jeans.
