NMMA Monitoring New Trade Actions as Key Comment Deadlines Approach

The Trump Administration recently announced a series of new trade actions that could impact U.S. manufacturers, including recreational marine businesses. These actions include new investigations, proposed tariff changes, and requests for public feedback on trade policies involving China, Vietnam, and other countries.

Several of these announcements include opportunities for public comment in the coming weeks. NMMA is closely monitoring these developments and working to ensure the recreational boating industry's voice is heard.

The recreational boating industry is a uniquely American manufacturing sector. Ninety-five percent of boats sold in the U.S. are made in the U.S., and 93 percent of U.S. boat builders are small businesses. As new trade actions move forward, NMMA will continue to advocate for policies that keep U.S. marine manufacturing globally competitive while supporting businesses, workers, and consumers across the country.

Vietnam Section 301 Investigation

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative recently initiated a new Section 301 investigation into Vietnam's actions and policies related to intellectual property protection and enforcement.

This investigation is separate from other ongoing USTR investigations into Vietnam and dozens of other countries related to unfair industrial practices and forced labor practices.

Comments on the Vietnam intellectual property investigation are due July 2, 2026.

New Tariff Rates in Section 301 Forced Labor Investigation

USTR also announced findings in its Section 301 investigation related to forced labor. As part of that action, USTR proposed tariffs ranging from 10 percent to 12.5 percent on imports from 60 countries.

According to USTR, 46 countries failed to impose or enforce prohibitions on goods produced with forced labor. The remaining 14 countries that have committed to such prohibitions would be subject to a 10 percent tariff.

Because Section 122 tariffs are set to expire next month, these new tariff rates could go into effect as early as July. At the time of publication, NMMA is still awaiting USTR's countermeasures in its ongoing investigation into structural excess capacity.

Comments on the forced labor investigation are due July 6, 2026.

U.S.-China Board of Trade

Following President Trump's visit to China last month, USTR is seeking public comment on the development of a new U.S.-China Board of Trade.

Of particular importance to marine manufacturers, USTR is inviting comments on the development of this new bilateral trade mechanism and on "non-sensitive products that would benefit from favorable tariff modifications."

Comments are due July 10, 2026.

NMMA Seeking Member Feedback

NMMA is seeking feedback from members to support potential comments and engagement with administration officials. Member input will help NMMA highlight how additional tariffs could impact the U.S. marine industry, including manufacturers, suppliers, dealers, workers, and consumers.

Members with direct feedback should contact Clay Crabtree, NMMA's Interim Vice President of Public Policy and Government Relations, at [email protected].