How US Tariffs Impact Top Producers & Where To Find Value

As a Dutch-built day boat, Vanquish yachts will be subject to a 20% U.S. import tariff, unless foreign flagged.

In a bold move that’s already sending ripples through global trade routes, the United States announced a sweeping set of tariffs aimed at… well, everyone.

While the headlines focus on geopolitics and supply chains, there’s a more niche — and potentially lucrative — story brewing beneath the surface: how these new tariffs could reshape pricing, availability, and investment potential in the boating market. Whether you're a buyer, seller, or simply keeping a pulse on maritime economics, understanding the ripple effects of these tariffs might help you stay ahead of the curve — or even score a deal.

At a staggering $3.103B, the United States is the clear #1 importer of recreational boats, but where do those imports come from, and how are they affected by tariffs? Although a majority of those imports come from the European Union collective, countries like the United Kingdom, Mexico, China and Turkey also stand to be impacted, all strongly residing in the world’s top 10 boat producers.

Top Boat-Producing Countries & Their Associated US Tariff

As the world’s largest purchaser of boats, tariffs will have a major impact on our market. It’s too soon to understand exactly who will bear the burden, so all we can do is prepare by knowing exactly which countries produced our boats and what the associated tariff is.

Rank	Country	Trade Value	US Tariff
1st	Italy	$3.445B	20%
2nd	United States	$1.703B	0%
3rd	Germany	$1.545B	20%
4th	France	$1.514B	20%
5th	United Kingdom	$911.9M	10%
6th	Poland	$801.1M	20%
7th	Mexico	$685.4M	25%
8th	China	$503.7M	54%
9th	Turkey	$451.0M	10%
10th	Spain	$379.9M	20%
11th	Finland	$373.1M	20%
12th	Taiwan	$327.9M	32%
13th	Australia	$307.5M	10%
14th	Netherlands	$297.7M	20%

Let’s be clear: these tariffs could vanish with the stroke of a pen — or stick around long enough to reshape the market. They've come on so fast, even import agents at the U.S. border are still trying to make sense of them (I asked one myself).

How Is My Favorite Brand Impacted?

We’ve listed some of the world’s biggest brands, grouped by the country they produce in. Click each country to see if your favorite brand is listed.

• Italy - 20%

  Ferretti, Riva, Pershing, Wally, Sanlorenzo, Bluegame, Azimut, Pardo, VanDutch, Baglietto, Admiral, Arcadia, Benetti

• Germany - 20%

  Lurssen, Fjord, Bavaria

• France - 20%

  Benateau, Jeanneau, Fountaine-Pajot, Zodiac

• United Kingdom - 10%

  Sunseeker, Princess, Williams Jet Tenders

• Poland - 20%

  Galeon, Axopar, XO, DeAntonio

• Mexico - 25%

  Sea Doo, Bayliner

• China - 54%

  Highfield, Far East

• Turkey - 10%

  NuMarine, Sirena

• Spain - 20%

  Astondoa, Tesoro, DeAntonio, Rio

• Finland - 20%

  Saxdor

• Taiwan - 32%

  Ocean Alexander, Horizon

• Australia - 10%

  Riviera, Maritomo

• Netherlands - 20%

  Wajer, Vanquish, Steeler Bronson, Oceanco, Feadship, Amels, Heesen

2 Ways to Find Value in a Tariff-Driven Boat Market

Sitting Inventory That Already Cleared at 1.5% Duty

Many of the top 14 producing nations are home to brands with boots-on-the-ground dealer networks in the U.S. Until April 5th, those dealers were importing boats under a relatively friendly 1.5% duty — a number already baked into most “landed” pricing. Fast forward to April 9th and beyond, and those same boats now face import duties between 10% and 54%. Any new inventory that landed before the tariff window slammed shut is sitting undervalued — and buyers who move quickly stand to benefit.

High-Dollar Boats, U.S. Duty Paid

The bigger the boat, the bigger the import tab. It’s long been common for foreign-built yachts to be purchased through offshore entities, allowing U.S. residents to cruise on temporary permits (“cruising permits”) and sidestep the old 1.5% duty. But with that number now skyrocketing to double digits, the incentive to “foreign flag” a vessel has never been higher.

Now, imagine the U.S. government tightens enforcement on cruising permits. Those few owners who did pay the old-school U.S. duty? Their vessels instantly become more valuable — priced below the new cost of entry, and ready to sell at a premium.

The (multi) million dollar question: When is the right time?

So the question becomes: When is the right time to buy? Are you waiting for clarity, or is the opportunity already in front of you? In a market shifting this quickly, timing isn’t just important — it’s everything.

If you're weighing your options or want help spotting the smart deals before they're gone, I'm here to help. Let’s talk.

---

About the Author

Reed Nicol is a licensed yacht broker with experience in all corners of the marine industry. He’s worked as an executive and sales director in yacht manufacturing and distribution, has structured commercial charter operations, and designed and executed notable refits. Read more about Reed’s marine journey, his love of helping 1st time boaters and his entrepreneurial spirit here.

Reed Nicol [Licensed FL Yacht Broker #11926]
Get Started with Reed