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Tariffs continue to affect the industry - MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter

by Peter Rendle 8 Oct 2025 16:00 BST
QX Line © Bennington Marine

President Trump issued new Section 232 tariffs on imports of timber, lumber and other wood products. Additionally, the Department of Commerce has announced new Section 232 investigations into several different imports that could affect marine manufacturers.

The investigations will cover imports of robotics, industrial machinery, and personal protective equipment (PPE). In the President's announcement, he established new tariff rates - which will increase on January 1 - for timber, lumber, and derivative products, including: a 10% global tariff on imports of softwood lumber; a 25% global tariff on certain upholstered furniture, which will increase to 30% on January 1.

For sailors, on November 7, as part of World Sailing's Annual Conference in Dún Laoghaire, Ireland, they will conduct the Offshore Event Organisers Forum. It is designed for Member National Authorities, Class Associations, industry bodies, and representatives from the Rating Systems, and you can register to attend in person, or online.

After more than 80 years of family leadership, Melges Performance Sailboats is turning the page to a new chapter. The iconic brand, founded by Harry C. Melges and nurtured across three generations, has been purchased by Cate Muller-Terhune and Allan Terhune Jr. For eight decades, Melges Performance Sailboats has been synonymous with innovation, speed, and a deep passion for one-design sailing.

New products to hit the market include Simrad Marine Electronics, a brand within Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), who announced the launch of the AutoCaptain Autonomous Boating System, a revolutionary advancement in marine technology featuring full auto-docking capabilities, including docking, undocking, and short distance manoeuvring.

Dockmate, manufacturer of advanced wireless remote-control systems for yachts, announced the launch of its newest innovation in marine control technology - the Dockmate PRO. The new remote delivers proportional control and control of multi-engine configurations in a more affordable, easy-to-use, push-button design.

Propspeed, a leading innovator in biocide-free, foul-release coatings, announced today the debut of its newest coating for various surface types, Foulfree Multi-Surface System, offering a foul-release solution to a wide range of components fitted to an expanded range of vessel types from RIBs to center consoles and cruisers to pleasure yachts.

DAVCO, manufacturer of advanced tender and personal watercraft management solutions, announced the launch of its Davit in a Box, an innovative tender management solution engineered for simplicity, versatility and performance. The new system is defined by a host of features designed to meet the demands of modern boat builders and owners alike, including an ultra-lightweight design, a multi-voltage power system and simple plug-in controls.

Meridian Audio and MasterCraft unveiled MasterCraft SoundStage powered by Meridian - a bespoke sound experience crafted for life on the water. The British pioneer of high-performance technology and sound, announced its entry into the recreational marine sector with the world's leading towboat manufacturer.

ePropulsion Americas, a global leader in marine electric propulsion systems and services, announced that its revolutionary Pod Drive 3.0 Evo electric solution will be featured on Zonda Yachts Z28 sailing vessel, during its debut at the Annapolis Sailboat Show.

More marine industry news covering North America at www.marinebusinessworld.com - North American-based news from the largest boating news network - updated daily.

Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media

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