In its first-quarter Marine Leadership Barometer quarterly survey, the National Marine Manufacturers Association said 45% of marine manufacturers reported a “guardedly positive outlook for the year ahead.” However, respondents completed the survey between March 10 and 21, a two-week period ahead of April 2 — so-called “Liberation Day” — and subsequent tariff announcements.
NMMA said in a statement that key findings in its inaugural Marine Leadership Barometer included:
• Thirty-nine percent of survey participants expected product demand to rise during the next 12 months, a net positive with 28% forecasting a decline.
• The outlook was tempered by broader macroeconomic concerns. Asked about the overall economy, 40% of respondents expressed a negative short-term (three-month) view, while only 18% anticipated a positive shift in the next 12 months.
• The numbers reflect persistent uncertainty about the economic environment, with neutrality prevailing across both short-term (42%) and long-term (39%) economic perspectives.
• Business conditions were similarly viewed through a cautious lens, as 41% expected a decline over the next three months, and 30% projected improvement within the year.
• Thirty-eight percent of respondents anticipated revenue growth for their companies over the next 12 months, hinting at internal resilience or planned strategic pivots.
The first-quarter survey was sent to 1,500 member manufacturer executives across the CEO, founder and owner levels, in addition to other senior executives. Responses from the two-week survey period represented a 12% response rate, which is within the average benchmark.
For more information or to take part in the survey, contact Rebecca Lark at [email protected].
