In response to the constantly changing situation around tariffs and America’s trade relations, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is working closely within the marine industry and the outdoor recreation industry at-large to minimize the impact on our members. As the National Marine Manufacturers Association dives into the specific impacts on their boat building and marine accessory members, MRAA is gathering information as the tariffs begin to affect marine retailers to illustrate the economic impact on our members across the United States and Canada.
With the 2025 American Boating Congress coming up May 12-14, there is an opportunity for anyone working in the recreational boating industry to come to Washington, D.C., and advocate on behalf of their business and the industry at large. Learn more and register for ABC here.
Tariffs on marine products — including boats, engines, trailers and critical components — as well as on raw materials like aluminum and steel, can disrupt current market dynamics by increasing costs, delaying production and delivery, and limiting product availability. These downstream effects not only impact manufacturers but also the dealers and retailers who bring these products to market and support customers long after the sale.
For marine retailers, staying in regular communication with all of your partners is critical at this uncertain time. As current MRAA Board of Directors member and former Chair, Jeff Strong said in a recent interview with Soundings Trade Only, “Communicate with your team, clients and vendors on a very consistent basis. We are being sure we are doing everything in our power to have delighted employees and clients who are raving fans of our boating lifestyle and its high importance for family values.”
Working in close collaboration with our partners at NMMA, MRAA advocates for tariff policies that support fair trade without imposing unnecessary burdens on American businesses. Together, we engage with policymakers, industry stakeholders and regulatory agencies to educate decision-makers on how tariffs affect marine businesses and to advocate for data-backed, transparent trade solutions that maintain the strength and competitiveness of the U.S. recreational boating sector.
Right now, we encourage you to reach out to the MRAA Government Relations Team to share how you are being impacted by current tariffs, as these case studies will be instrumental as we continue to meet lawmakers and trade policy experts on Capitol Hill. Click here to take the Tariff Impact Survey.
Currently, in pursuit of financial relief for the recreational marine industry, the MRAA is supporting Congressional efforts to repeal Trump Administration Tariffs notably though ending the emergency the Trump administration established which allowed him to enact tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA). In particular, the MRAA is supporting a bipartisan resolution put forth by Senators Wyden (D-Ore), Paul (R-Ky), Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Kaine (D-Va) and another resolution, SJ-37, put forth by Senator Kaine, which has already passed the Senate, that would roll back tariffs on just Canada. While the first resolution was just introduced and is awaiting action on the Senate floor SJ-37, the Canada-focused resolution, passed the Senate with a favorable vote of 51-48. As these resolutions make their way through the Congressional process, the MRAA will continue to track and support them in hopes of finding relief for America’s small boating businesses.
The MRAA remains committed to supporting policies that foster growth, protect jobs and ensure that boating remains an accessible and sustainable lifestyle for millions of Americans. We stand with our members through these uncertain times and will continue to advocate for policies that strengthen the American recreational marine industry and ensure that boating remains a favorite and affordable pastime.
Please connect with Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relation Manager, at Chad@mraa.com if you have any questions or concerns that you wish to discuss further.
