An update on the rate war for boats and some corporate data for sales in 2024 and 2025 for the major listed boat manufacturers.
Tariff war
(latest news as of April 9, 2025, 2:00 pm):
Mr. Président Trump has just suspended the application of tariffs for 90 days for all countries that were affected by the new reciprocal tariffs.
Canada remains affected, however, for softwood lumber, autos and steel/aluminum.
But the ACEUM free-trade agreement remains active for the other items.
As a result, for the time being, Canada will not apply punitive tariffs on ships entering Canada from USA.
This is confirmed by the CMRA (Canadian Marine Retailers Association).
As a result, U.S.-Canadian ship imports remain tariff-free for the 90-day period. So keep an eye on the July 6, 2025 date (to be revised) for the return of punitive tariffs, should Canada decide to do so.
This is also the case for an American who buys a boat here in Canada and brings it back to the U.S. There is no tariff applicable to this type of transaction. So, when a boat passes through U.S. customs, no tariff will be applied under the CUSMA treaty.
Given the unpredictability of the White House’s actions, it’s important to be on the lookout. Everything can change very quickly, with little notice, and that goes for both countries.
But the industry continues to navigate through negative numbers. Here’s some data on the performance of companies listed on the stock exchange (see below). These figures are for the worldwide sales of each manufacturer listed.
But the industry continues to sail into negative figures. Here’s some data on the performance of the companies listed on the stock exchange (see below). These figures are for the worldwide sales of each manufacturer listed.
This makes it possible to partially value the sale of pre-owned boats. There are many sellers and very few buyers.
So buying a pre-owned boat at this time means getting a very good price. This is even truer for boats for sale in the USA.
Don’t hesitate to contact us for an analysis of the offers on the market according to your criteria. The brokers at Ita Yachts Canada and its ProprioBateau division are at your disposal.
A few facts :
Groupe BENETEAU
(which owns the brands: Beneteau, Jeanneau, Prestige, Lagoon, Delphia, Fourwinns, Wellcraft, Scarab)
Down 29.4% in 2024
Société BRUNSWICK
(which owns the brands: Sea Ray, Mercury, Boston Whaler, B & G, Simrad, LOWE, Harris, LUND,
Bayliner, Princecraft, Heyday, Mastervolt, Lowrance, Quicksilver)
Down 18. 2% in 2024
Mastercraft
29.4% decrease in Q2 2025
MALIBU
5.1% decrease in Q2 2025
POLARIS
(owns brands: Godfrey, Hurricane, Bennington)
20% decrease in 2024
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