As we move into 2026, the recreational boating industry faces a landscape that continues to shift quickly — politically, economically, operationally and in the expectations of today’s consumer. The past year brought rapid policy change and new pressures on our businesses, but it also underscored the value of staying focused on what we do best. Through strong advocacy and market expansion, including reaching new boaters and strengthening access, the National Marine Manufacturers Association helps the industry navigate uncertainty and create opportunities that position us for steady, sustainable progress in the year ahead.
As an industry, we leaned into our authentic, Made-in-America story. One of our most significant victories early in the year was the withdrawal of NOAA’s proposed vessel speed rule to protect endangered right whales. This effort took years of constant advocacy and required close coordination with coastal businesses, coalition and conservation partners, and elected officials.
The result was significant. We learned as an industry that we can change the course of a regulation when we speak with one voice. Our industry demonstrated to policymakers and regulators that commerce and conservation can coexist, that science-based policymaking using modern technology and stakeholder feedback can achieve meaningful results.
We also secured a major decision from the International Trade Commission on aluminum extrusions. The ruling confirmed that the U.S. aluminum industry was not materially injured by imports from 15 countries. This outcome protected accessory and component manufacturers from costly duties, and we must continue to protect those gains in an uncertain trade and tariff environment.
On the broader trade landscape, the boating industry navigated a turbulent tariff policy environment that changed rapidly and often without warning. NMMA, on behalf of our members and the industry, engaged daily with federal agencies, filed comments on new investigations, and provided clear impact data to help guide policymakers. This work earned early recognition from the White House when the United States and European Union agreed on a trade framework that protected U.S.-built boats from retaliation.
Looking ahead to 2026, we are building on these relationships to promote a marine-manufacturing agenda within the administration, especially as the renewal of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement comes into full view. A stable USMCA will keep North American trade flowing, support American jobs and help maintain the competitiveness of a sector where most products are built by U.S. workers.
Internationally, our industry took major steps to strengthen global alignment on a boat’s life-cycle assessment. The memorandum of understanding signed between NMMA, ICOMIA and the European Boating Industry was a milestone. It established an equal partnership for a multiyear life-cycle assessment project and ensured NMMA members have a strong voice in global regulatory discussions. The project will guide how our industry measures environmental impact and will shape future innovation and sustainability efforts around the world.
Congress also passed the EXPLORE Act, the first stand-alone recreation policy bill in U.S. history. NMMA and its members played a central role in this work through the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and our coalition partners. The law streamlines permitting, elevates outdoor recreation as a national priority, and strengthens protections against aquatic invasive species. It sets an important precedent for future legislation that could be tailored directly to marine interests.
At the state level, we are gearing up for another busy legislative season. Last session, the marine industry worked to protect boating access in Florida, defeat harmful PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) reporting legislation and wakesurfing bans in multiple states, and support new boat ramp and marina funding in Maryland, among other wins. These results show how important it is to stay present in state capitals, where many of the most immediate threats to access emerge. We encourage the boating industry to stay engaged as statehouses gavel-in this year.
And the new year gives us a chance to build on this momentum. The U.S. will celebrate its 250th anniversary, a milestone that offers a rare opportunity to elevate boating and fishing in front of national leaders. NMMA will do our part to promote the industry as we launch a campaign centered around growing boating and fishing over the next decade. The initiative will highlight the need for modern recreation infrastructure, strong fisheries management and reliable public access.
In 2026, boaters and boatbuilders alike should expect NMMA to continue promoting sound, transparent, science-based policies at NOAA, the EPA and other regulatory agencies. We will keep pressing for a workable OSHA heat standard that protects workers without imposing unachievable mandates. And we will continue advocating for targeted, fair and predictable trade policies that support American jobs and reward innovation.
I am optimistic about the year ahead. Our industry is resilient and driven by a deep commitment to innovation, safety and environmental stewardship. It is a privilege to represent the boating economy in front of key state and federal policymakers. With your partnership, NMMA will continue strengthening our key policy areas of manufacturing competitiveness, access, innovation and infrastructure.
Together, we will ensure that boating and fishing remain a proud part of America’s story for the foreseeable future.
Frank Hugelmeyer is president and CEO of the National Marine Manufacturers Association.
