NMMA Testifies on Recreational Boating Priorities during Trump Administration USMCA Hearing

On December 4, NMMA's Robyn Boerstling, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Chief Advocacy Officer, testified before the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) during its public hearing on the operation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA).

Boerstling testified before representatives of the USTR, Department of Commerce, Department of State, and Department of the Treasury. Boerstling's testimony focused on renewing the agreement to provide long-term certainty for marine manufacturers and maintaining the reforms made to help streamline trade between the three countries. In her testimony, Boerstling noted that the "USMCA negotiated by the first Trump administration helped improve the competitive environment for marine manufacturers."

In September, the USTR commenced its formal public comment period to help shape the Trump Administration's position on USMCA - which is set for review and renewal in 2026.NMMA submitted comments highlighting the importance of the agreement and support for its renewal.

Congress required USTR to begin a public consultation by October, ahead of the formal joint review in July 2026 between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Early next year, USTR must deliver a report to Congress, noting its recommendations for the USMCA review and if the U.S. should extend the trade agreement or not. Unless the countries agree to extend the trade agreement for another 16 years, it will automatically expire in 2036.

NMMA will continue working with the administration, Congress, and industry partners to ensure USMCA is maintained, and remains balanced and aligned with the needs of American manufacturers.

For more information, contact NMMA's Clay Crabtree, Senior Director of Public Policy, at [email protected]