The Canadian government has removed the 10 percent retaliatory tariffs on U.S.-built recreational boats that resulted from President Trump’s 10 percent tariff on aluminum and 25 percent tariff on steel imported from that country to the U.S.
This story by Reagan Haynes originally appeared in Trade Only Today.
The National Marine Manufacturers Association Canada and the Canadian Marine Trades Association were advised by the government of Canada that the tariffs have been lifted effective April 30.
NMMA Canada and NMMA issued a joint statement calling it “the most positive development for our industry since this concerning issue first emerged” when Trump imposed the Section 232 tariffs.
“We have been informed that all boats imported on or after April 30, 2019, are no longer subject to retaliatory tariffs (on a forward basis),” the statement said. “At this time the government will not issue rebates or refunds for surtaxes paid on boats prior to this action.”
The order will be officially published May 15 in Part II Canada Gazette.
“The next few weeks may still have some challenges in sorting through the details,” the statement read, and urged boatbuilders to continue communicating with the industry.
The news came as a relief to Carver Yachts president Rob Parmentier, who says two of his largest dealers are in Canada.
