EU boat tariff delay offers chink of light for further negotiations

The European Commission has announced a two-week delay in implementing retaliatory tariffs on US-built boats and fishing products, opening the door for further dialogue between the United States and the EU.

Water World Wire reports that the tariff deadline has been pushed back from April 1 to the middle of the month, indicating that both sides are taking their time to negotiate. The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is said to be working closely with its European partner, the European Boating Industry (EBI) to press for the removal of recreational boats – including fishing craft – to be removed from the EU’s 2018 tariff list altogether.

The EBI has ramped up advocacy efforts in recent days, sending letters to European Commissioner for Trade, Maroš Šefcovic, EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, key members of the European Parliament and national governments. NMMA is working in tandem with these efforts to ensure the industry’s voice is heard.

Trade policy remains a top priority for NMMA as it works to protect U.S. marine manufacturing competitiveness. It says: “Historically, retaliatory tariffs have hindered our industry’s ability to export American-made boats to key markets, impacting jobs and businesses across the country. We continue to advocate for fair and open trade policies that support American manufacturing, drive innovation and keep our industry competitive on the global stage.”