Three members of the boating industry will testify this week at a U.S. Trade Representative Hearing regarding the Trump Administration’s proposed 10 to 25 percent tariff on $200 billion in Chinese imported products. Nicole Vasilaros, NMMA senior vice president of government relations and legal affairs, testified today. There were so many requests to testify that the hearings will last six days.
Later in the week, according to a story in today’s Currents, executives from Magic Tilt Trailers and Sea Eagle Boats will testify before the committee. The list of tariffs targeted by the current round of Section 310 tariffs includes boats, marine parts, trailer tires and other components.
Vasilaros’ testimony included this statement: “From tariffs on raw materials and components, to retaliatory tariffs that have frozen international markets for U.S. marine exports, the recreational boating industry continues to bear the brunt of the administration’s trade policies. China is now the fourth country to retaliate against U.S. boats, joining Canada, Mexico, and the European Union – three markets that make up 70 percent of U.S. marine exports.
“Compounding tariffs have led to the cancelation of millions of dollars of orders for new boats being built in American factories by American workers, resulting in employment changes, canceled expansion plans, and halted growth,” concluded Vasilaros.
The NMMA and its members will continue to be “loud” on the issue. NMMA members have been included in 350 media stories, reaching 35 million people in 31 states, about the tariffs and their impact on the industry. Written comments about the tariffs from members of the boating industry will be accepted via this link through September 6.
