EU Suspends Tariffs on US Boats for 90 Days Following Trump’s Pause on Duties

The European Union announced yesterday a 90-day suspension of the planned 25% tariffs on a range of US products, including pleasure boats. The move follows a similar decision by US President Donald Trump, who declared a 90-day pause on mutual tariffs in an effort to encourage negotiations between the two sides.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commented: "I welcome President Trump's announcement to suspend reciprocal tariffs. This is an important step toward stabilising the global economy. Clear and predictable conditions are essential for trade and supply chains to function properly."

Previously, the EU had approved tariffs on American goods worth €21 billion, in retaliation for the 25% US duties on European steel and aluminium imports. Affected products included soybeans, beef, timber, and—of particular importance to the marine industry—yachts and recreational boats.

The EU’s suspension of tariffs is seen as a chance to open constructive talks with the US, with the goal of removing the recently imposed trade barriers. However, the European Commission stressed that if no meaningful progress is made during this period, the retaliatory measures could be reinstated once the 90 days are over.

For the European marine sector, and especially for boatbuilders, this decision comes as a temporary relief. The tariffs would have significantly impacted exports to the US market, one of the most important destinations for European pleasure craft.

It now remains to be seen how negotiations between the EU and the US will develop in the coming months—and whether a full-blown trade war, which would harm both economies, can be avoided.

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