Trump’s Tariffs
April 2025 brought some big news for companies exporting to the U.S. With the Trump administration’s latest round of tariffs targeting all goods coming into the country, the cost of importing catamarans into the United States may be higher.
For American buyers, this may mean tough decisions. For international manufacturers, it’s a maze to navigate. These new tariffs will affect the price, your delivery schedule, and your sailing plans.
But there are options — both legal and strategic — for navigating the storm.
The New Global Tariff Map
Here’s how catamaran-producing countries may stack up after the new tariffs. The situation is fluid, with a 90 day pause (minimum tariff of 10% applies).
For a full list of the proposed tariffs by country (sortable), please head to the bottom of this page.
| Country | Proposed Future Tariff Rate |
|---|---|
| E.U. (France, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Finland etc.) | 20% |
| China | 145% |
| Vietnam | 46% |
| Thailand | 37% |
| Indonesia | 32% |
| Argentina | 10% |
| South Africa | 31% |
| UK | 10% |
| Turkey | 10% |
| Australia | 10% |
Major Multihull Manufacturers by Region
European Union (20% Tariff)
- Impact: A 20% bump is painful but possibly manageable for buyers, especially if brands offer partial absorption or U.S. assembly workarounds. Or buyers will flag offshore.
South Africa (31%)
- Impact: South African builders have historically offered great value for quality. The trend will be for buyers to flag offshore. The effect on the charter market in the USVI remains unclear.
Vietnam (46%)
- Impact: Vietnam may be hit the hardest after China. With tariffs at 47%, builders will be watching closely. US buyers will likely flag offshore.
China (34%)
- Impact: Already under trade scrutiny, Chinese brands are hit with a steep hike. It won’t effect buyers with an overseas flag of course.
United Kingdom (10%)
- Impact: The UK is looking at a 10% tariff as a non-EU entity, depending on future trade deals. This could give UK-based brands a relative advantage. However, the industry is small these days. Smaller players like Dazcat could benefit.
What Can U.S. Buyers Do?
1. Take Delivery Abroad
You can take delivery in the British Virgin Islands, Grenada, or Turkey, and keep your boat out of U.S. waters to avoid import duties. Many charter programs support this approach.
2. Buy Used
Used catamarans already in the U.S. won’t be affected by these tariffs. Expect a boom in the used market — and rising prices.
3. Negotiate With the Builder
Some manufacturers may offer to absorb part of the tariff, offer U.S.-based final assembly, or explore alternative delivery methods.
4. Explore Loopholes Carefully
Registering under a foreign flag and cruising internationally is legal but comes with complications around financing, insurance, and U.S. port access.
What Can Manufacturers Do?
Relocate or Diversify Production
- Moving production.
- Others may follow suit, moving to countries with lower duties or even to the U.S. itself — though high labor costs and material tariffs make this tricky.
Offer Knock-Down Kits or Local Assembly
Final assembly in the U.S. might allow for reduced tariffs in some cases. This strategy is complex but could become more common.
Partner With U.S. Dealers
Strong partnerships could help with logistics, financing, and end-user support, creating a smoother buyer experience despite rising costs.
Top 10 Yacht Manufacturing Countries (2025)
1. France – Undisputed #1 for sailing catamarans
Major Brands: Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, Outremer, Nautitech (via Bavaria), Bali (Catana)
Strength: High-volume production, excellent design pedigree, strong global dealer networks
Exports: Substantial, especially to the U.S., Caribbean, and Europe
2. South Africa – Custom & performance sailing cats
Major Brands: Leopard (Robertson & Caine), Balance Catamarans, Knysna, Kinetic, Maverick
Strengths: Quality craftsmanship, good value, and strong reputation for bluewater performance
Exports: Heavily focused on the U.S. and charter fleets. The blue water cruising boats such as Balance are less likely to be affected as buyers will flag offshore.
3. Vietnam – Rising manufacturing hub
Major Brands: Seawind, Rapido Trimarans, MaxCruise Marine
Strength: Cost-effective, performance-oriented builds, expanding infrastructure
Exports: U.S., Australia, Europe; Seawind is particularly strong in the Pacific market
4. China – Power cats & high-end composites
Major Brands: Aquila, HH Catamarans, Sunreef (select models), McConaghy (multinational)
Strength: Cutting-edge technology, strong in power catamarans, carbon fiber
Exports: U.S., Australia, Europe, Middle East
5. United Kingdom– Low-volume, niche
Major Brands: Dazcat, Broadblue, Archipelago Yachts (Aluminium)
Strength: Local buying appeal, some day-charter and trawler-cat focus
Exports: US, domestic sales
6. Turkey – Emerging base for international brands
Major Players: New Seawind facility, Sirena Marine, boutique builders
Strength: Favourable labor costs, strong in composite builds, growing rapidly
Exports: Europe, U.S., Middle East
7. Poland – Becoming a boatbuilding powerhouse
Major Brands: Sunreef Yachts, Moon Yachts, Viko Yachts (small catamarans), and subcontractors
Strength: Top-tier craftsmanship, growing luxury segment
Exports: Europe, U.S., private owners and luxury market
8. Italy – Stylish and fast-growing niche market
Brands: Silent Yachts (solar-electric cats), C-Catamarans, ITA Catamarans
Strength: Focus on innovation (e.g., solar, hybrid), sleek design ethos
Exports: High-end private market globally
9. Australia – Long history, now mainly design and semi-custom
Major Brands: Older Seawind heritage, Lightwave Yachts, Cure Marine.
Strength: Legacy of robust ocean-going designs
Exports: Regional; many builders moved production offshore (e.g., Vietnam)
10. Argentina – Regional manufacturing and charter support
Brands: Atares
Strength: Regional production, competitive pricing
Exports: US, Latin America and Caribbean
Honorable Mentions:
Portugal – home to Trimarine Composites
Slovenia – Elan and Seascape contribute designs
Germany – Bavaria (owns Nautitech brand)
Philippines – smaller yards, some outsourcing (HH)
Thailand – Custom cats, charter-focused, eg Andaman Yachts.
Summary: Navigating the New Waters
These new tariffs are more than a speed bump — they’re a strategic change in the market. Whether you’re a weekend sailor planning your dream boat or a builder focused on the U.S. market, adaptation will be key.
Buyers will need to think globally, look at the different options available on where to flag their boats, plan smartly, and wait for dust to settle.
Builders will need to innovate — in manufacturing, logistics, and customer support.
In the world of catamarans, boats can sail across borders, but tariffs are bad news, just like in other industries. Ultimately, these new tariffs could be an additional tax on US customers buying boats in their country for those who want to sail in US waters.
It’s easier to navigate this situation in a yacht than a car.
But in any situation such as this, there are opportunities as well as threats.
List of all Trump Tariffs by Country
Sortable. Searchable.
| Country | New US Tariffs (%) |
|---|---|
| China | 34 |
| European Union | 20 |
| Vietnam | 46 |
| Taiwan | 32 |
| Japan | 24 |
| India | 26 |
| South Korea | 25 |
| Thailand | 36 |
| Switzerland | 31 |
| Indonesia | 32 |
| Malaysia | 24 |
| Cambodia | 49 |
| United Kingdom | 10 |
| South Africa | 30 |
| Brazil | 10 |
| Bangladesh | 37 |
| Singapore | 10 |
| Israel | 17 |
| Philippines | 17 |
| Chile | 10 |
| Australia | 10 |
| Pakistan | 29 |
| Turkey | 10 |
| Sri Lanka | 44 |
| Colombia | 10 |
| Peru | 10 |
| Nicaragua | 18 |
| Norway | 15 |
| Costa Rica | 10 |
| Jordan | 20 |
| Dominican Republic | 10 |
| United Arab Emirates | 10 |
| New Zealand | 10 |
| Argentina | 10 |
| Ecuador | 10 |
| Guatemala | 10 |
| Honduras | 10 |
| Madagascar | 47 |
| Myanmar | 44 |
| Tunisia | 28 |
| Kazakhstan | 27 |
| Serbia | 37 |
| Egypt | 10 |
| Saudi Arabia | 10 |
| El Salvador | 10 |
| Côte d’Ivoire | 21 |
| Laos | 48 |
| Botswana | 37 |
| Trinidad and Tobago | 10 |
| Morocco | 10 |
| Algeria | 30 |
| Oman | 10 |
| Uruguay | 10 |
| Bahamas | 10 |
| Lesotho | 50 |
| Ukraine | 10 |
| Bahrain | 10 |
| Qatar | 10 |
| Mauritius | 40 |
| Fiji | 32 |
| Iceland | 10 |
| Kenya | 10 |
| Liechtenstein | 37 |
| Guyana | 38 |
| Haiti | 10 |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 35 |
| Nigeria | 14 |
| Namibia | 21 |
| Brunei | 24 |
| Bolivia | 10 |
| Panama | 10 |
| Venezuela | 15 |
| North Macedonia | 33 |
| Ethiopia | 10 |
| Ghana | 10 |
| Moldova | 31 |
| Angola | 32 |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | 11 |
| Jamaica | 10 |
| Mozambique | 16 |
| Paraguay | 10 |
| Zambia | 17 |
| Lebanon | 10 |
| Tanzania | 10 |
| Iraq | 39 |
| Georgia | 10 |
| Senegal | 10 |
| Azerbaijan | 10 |
| Cameroon | 11 |
| Uganda | 10 |
| Albania | 10 |
| Armenia | 10 |
| Nepal | 10 |