Key trade and tariff deadlines approaching for US marine manufacturers

Several major trade and tariff deadlines are approaching in the next few weeks that may affect US marine manufacturers and their supply chains.

The news comes a month after global marine bodies, including British Marine, the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), the European Boating Industry (EBI) and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) issued a joint statement calling for greater international cooperation to ensure fair and predictable trade conditions in the global leisure marine sector, amid ongoing tariff fallouts.

NMMA, a trade association representing boat, marine engine and accessory manufacturers in North America, is encouraging its members to review the following dates and take part in open comment periods and consultations.

Section 232 new investigations — industrial equipment, machinery and PPE

The US Department of Commerce has opened Section 232 national security investigations into imports of industrial machinery, equipment and personal protective equipment. Public comments are due by 17 October 2025.

Section 232 new tariffs — timber, wood and derivative products

New Section 232 tariffs on timber, lumber and derivative wood products take effect today (14 October 2025), with higher rates scheduled for 1 January 2026. These include a 10 per cent global tariff on softwood lumber and a 25 per cent tariff on certain finished wood goods, such as furniture and cabinetry, rising to 50 per cent in the new year.

Section 232 steel and aluminium derivative products — inclusion requests

The US Department of Commerce this week posted the list of Section 232 steel and aluminium inclusion requests submitted by domestic producers. The requestors are asking the department to subject approximately 700 HTS Codes – including marine products – as derivative articles of steel and aluminium, subjecting them to the 50 per cent tariffs.

This is the second round of inclusion requests – with the first window beginning in May. NMMA is encouraging its members to review the list of codes and notify NMMA if they import any products, components or parts under the newly identified HTS codes. Comments opposing certain inclusion requests are due by 21 October 2025.

USMCA review — public consultation period

As part of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) review, the Office of the US Trade Representative has opened a public consultation. Comments are due by 4 November 2025.

Section 301 shipbuilding — current implementation

The administration continues to implement Section 301 actions related to foreign shipbuilding and marine components. NMMA is engaging with federal agencies to ensure any measures consider downstream impacts on US recreational boatbuilders and suppliers.

IEEPA legal challenge: timeline and considerations

The legal challenge to tariff actions taken under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) continues through the appeals process following a ruling earlier this year by the US Court of International Trade. NMMA says it is monitoring developments and will provide updates as new information becomes available.