National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) statement on tariffs
Washington, D.C. (February 2, 2025) – Following the announcement by President Trump regarding tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) released the following statement from NMMA President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer:
“The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA)—the leading trade association representing the U.S. recreational boating industry, which generates $230 billion in annual economic impact—is deeply concerned about the escalating trade actions between the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“Recreational boating is a proudly American industry, with 95% of boats sold in the U.S. made in the U.S. American-made boats are in high demand worldwide, and strong trade partnerships with Canada and Mexico are essential to our industry’s continued growth.
Canada largest customer for American-made boats
“Canada is the largest customer for American-made boats, accounting for 51% of total U.S. boat exports, and Mexico plays a critical role in our industry supply chain. The past two years have been difficult for North American boat builders and these tariffs threaten our industry’s recovery and the stability of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), creating uncertainty for thousands of American businesses—many of them small, family-owned operations—that contribute to the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy.
“Recreational boating supports 812,000 American jobs and 36,000 businesses across the U.S. To remain a strong job creator at home and a competitive force globally, our industry needs a balanced and stable approach to tariffs.
“NMMA supports the Trump administration’s commitment to protecting American citizens, workers and businesses. However, history has taught us that retaliatory tariffs harm the very workers and industries they aim to support. We urge the administration and Congress to pursue alternative solutions that safeguard American manufacturing while allowing our industry to grow, innovate, and deliver American-made products to consumers at home and abroad.”
The tariff announcement comes during peak boat show season, in which thousands of American manufacturers of boats, marine accessories, and engines are looking to market and sell their products to consumers and other marine businesses.
Approximately 93% of boat manufacturers are small businesses
The recreational boating industry is a significant driver of the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy and a strong employer of small businesses and American families. Approximately 93% of boat manufacturers are small businesses. The majority of boat owners in the U.S. (61%) have a household income of $100,000 or less.
Hugelmeyer was recently interviewed by FOX Business at the Discover Boating New York Boat Show on Jan. 24 in New York City, telling FOX Business that the last time President Trump imposed tariffs, American boat builders faced retaliatory tariffs from Canada, the industry’s largest export market, as well as the UK and the EU.
“We need a carved-out approach to tariffs to position the American boatbuilder globally, and we’re looking forward to working with the Trump Administration to do just that,” Hugelmeyer said.
