Brussels, 9 April 2025 – EU Member States have voted in favour of the EU Commission's proposal to introduce trade countermeasures against the United States1 . This is in reaction to the US steel and aluminium tariffs. This once again includes recreational boats as unrelated collateral. The full decision with products covered will be published in the coming days and tariffs on US products are expected to apply from 15 April 2025. According to EBI’s information, recreational boats and certain equipment (sails, life jackets and life vests) are included with tariffs of 10-25%.

European Boating Industry (EBI) strongly opposes tariffs on recreational boats and equipment. The boating industry is globally integrated and Europe and North America are the largest markets with strong specialisation. Tariffs disrupt businesses, hinder economic growth, jeopardise jobs, and particularly harm SMEs that form the backbone of the boating industry. We welcome the reduction of the maximum tariff rate from 50% to 10-25% as the industry has called for. However, the decision to retain recreational boats in the list directly and indirectly puts companies and jobs in Europe in danger. EBI calls on the EU to change tack and remove recreational boats from the list to protect the EU’s best interests.

We continue to support reaching a negotiated solution with the US and EBI stands ready to contribute with proposals to enhance the recreational boating industry’s mutual success. The permanent removal of tariffs on recreational boats and equipment would support economic growth, jobs and investment on both sides of the Atlantic.

EBI will stay in close dialogue with the EU institutions. The recreational boating industry, uniquely ‘Made In Europe’, consists of over 32,000 businesses and directly employs more than 280,000 people. Over 96% of businesses in the sector are SMEs.

Brussels, 3 April 2025 – The US Government yesterday announced ‘reciprocal tariffs’ on the import of EU products at the level of 20%.

European Boating Industry (EBI) strongly opposes tariffs and underlines the potential risks to businesses on both sides of the Atlantic and the entire value chain. The boating industry is globally integrated and North America and Europe are the largest markets. Tariffs disrupt businesses, hinder economic growth, and jeopardise jobs, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that form the backbone of the boating industry.

We welcome the EU’s objective to reach a negotiated solution with the US and EBI stands ready to contribute with proposals to enhance the recreational boating industry’s mutual success. The permanent removal of tariffs would support economic growth, jobs and investment on both sides of the Atlantic.

EBI is in constant dialogue with the EU institutions. The recreational boating industry, uniquely ‘Made In Europe’, consists of over 32,000 businesses and directly employs more than 280,000 people. Over 96% of businesses in the sector are SMEs.

Brussels, 12 March 2025 – The EU Commission has today announced retaliatory tariffs on US products, including recreational boats, in response to the US Administration's steel and aluminium tariffs.

European Boating Industry (EBI) strongly opposes these tariffs and highlights the potential risks to European businesses and the entire value chain. EBI urges both sides to engage in careful negotiations over the coming days and weeks to resolve this urgent issue. The imposition of retaliatory tariffs, as seen between 2018 and 2021, would have significant negative consequences. Tariffs disrupt businesses, hinder economic growth, and jeopardise jobs, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that form the backbone of the boating industry in Europe and the EU as a whole.

It is important to note that these tariffs are unrelated to the recreational boating sector, arising from the dispute over steel and aluminium. They would negatively impact European industry and the EU's competitiveness goals and carry unintended consequences. The permanent removal of tariffs on unrelated sectors, such as recreational boats, would instead support economic growth on both sides of the Atlantic.

EBI is engaging in ongoing dialogue with the EU Commission, its partners the US, and other affected European sectors. The recreational boating industry, uniquely ‘Made In Europe’, consists of over 32,000 businesses and directly employs more than 280,000 people. Over 96% of businesses in the sector are SMEs.

The European Commission is developing a European Water Resilience Strategy to strengthen the sustainable management of water resources across the EU. In response to the consultation, EBI has highlighted the importance of ensuring continued access to waterways for recreational boating and water sports, while recognising the need for climate adaptation measures.

Boating and water sports rely on clean and well-managed water bodies but are non-consumptive activities, making them distinct from extractive sectors. EBI stresses that the strategy should not introduce disproportionate restrictions on access to inland and coastal waters and should instead recognise the sector’s role in promoting sustainable tourism and public engagement with water environments.

The industry is also exposed to risks from extreme weather events, including flooding and drought, which can disrupt navigation, marina operations, and local economies dependent on water-based tourism. EBI has called for investment in marina upgrades, eco-friendly infrastructure, and climate adaptation measures to protect the sector and ensure long-term resilience.

Find the full position paper here.

The European Ocean Pact, a key initiative of the EU Commission, aims to strengthen ocean governance while supporting sustainable economic activities in the blue economy. As the Commission works to define its scope, EBI has set out priorities to ensure that the recreational boating sector is fully considered.

Among the key proposals, EBI calls for a simplified framework for the mutual recognition of skipper licences for small commercial vessels, which would enhance mobility and competitiveness in the charter sector. It also highlights the need for investment in innovation and infrastructure, particularly in marina development, alternative fuels, and digitalisation. Further priorities include regulatory adjustments to support circular economy efforts, such as streamlined end-of-life boat disposal, and greater recognition of boating and water sports in maritime spatial planning to maintain access to waterways.

EBI has been actively engaged in discussions on the European Ocean Pact and will continue working with policymakers to ensure that the sector’s interests are reflected in the final framework.

Find the full position paper here.

A recent analysis by the European Fishing Tackle Trade Association (EFTTA) explores the growth potential of fishing tourism in Europe, a sector that already contributes significantly to local economies, particularly in coastal and rural regions. The study underscores the rising demand for high-quality fishing experiences among both domestic and international travellers, but also highlights regulatory and infrastructure challenges that need to be addressed to unlock its full potential.

Europe’s varied marine and freshwater environments, combined with an extensive tourism infrastructure, position it as a leading destination for fishing tourism. Countries such as Sweden, Norway, Spain, and France have well-established markets, benefiting from a mix of sport fishing, guided tours, and destination fishing lodges. However, despite strong demand, the sector remains fragmented, with differing national regulations and licensing systems limiting cross-border access for visiting anglers.

The analysis points to growing interest in sustainable fishing tourism, where responsible angling practices, conservation efforts, and habitat protection are key drivers for attracting visitors. The ability to integrate fishing tourism within broader outdoor and nautical tourism offerings is also seen as an opportunity to expand the market. Policy developments supporting greater harmonisation of licensing and investment in infrastructure, such as improved berthing facilities and access points, could further boost the sector’s economic impact.

Find more information here.

The latest Long-Haul Travel Barometer , published by the European Travel Commission (ETC), provides insights into traveller sentiment towards Europe from key overseas markets. The report shows that while interest in visiting Europe remains steady, economic uncertainty and cost concerns are influencing travel decisions, leading to a more cautious approach among long-haul travellers.

The study indicates that high travel costs, inflation, and currency fluctuations are key factors affecting travel sentiment in major markets, including the United States, Canada, Brazil, China, and Australia. While Europe continues to be a highly desirable destination, many travellers are prioritising affordability, seeking better value for money, and adapting their plans based on financial considerations.

The report also highlights variations in demand across regions. North American markets remain relatively strong, with a stable interest in European destinations, though travellers are adjusting their budgets. In contrast, Chinese traveller sentiment has softened, reflecting concerns over economic conditions and limited flight capacity. Brazilian and Australian travellers maintain interest in long-haul trips but are also influenced by cost pressures and exchange rates.

Find read the full report here.