The Canadian government officially announced plans to go ahead with retaliatory efforts that take effect today, which include a 10 percent tax on U.S.-built boats.
NMMA Canada has been working to get boats excluded from the list, and there was recognition from the Canadian government of the negative impact that the tariffs would have on the boating industry. But Canada’s government decided to move forward with the tariffs regardless, according to the trade association.
The Canadian government feels it must hit the United States hard in the hopes that President Trump will back down on aluminum and steel tariffs, said the trade association.
“While we appreciate the Canadian government recognizing our industry, we are disappointed that they decided not to exclude recreational boats from the retaliatory list,” said NMMA Canada president Sarah Anghel in a statement.
“Unfortunately, boats are the only recreational product being targeted,” Anghel said. “Moreover, there is not enough domestically manufactured supply. As a result, our $10 billion and growing industry, and the 75,000 Canadian jobs it supports, are now at risk. Tariffs aren’t the solution to trade disputes.”
NMMA Canada will “continue to implore” the Canadian government to work with the United States on a trade agreement that “truly protects” Canadian workers and the economy,” said Anghel.
