The Sailing Doodles Podcast · video

What this video covers

US import duty on yachts jumped from 1.5% to as high as 20–32% in early 2025, with China-built boats facing rates above 100%, reshaping the entire American yacht-buying market.2:24 A $300,000 Beneteau Oceanis that previously carried a $4,500 import duty now faces $60,000; a $1 million Lagoon catamaran jumps from $15,000 to $200,000; a $3 million Ocean Alexander from Taiwan goes from $45,000 to roughly $960,000 in tariffs.7:31 European-built boats (Beneteau, Lagoon, Jeanneau, Azimut, Ferretti) face 20%; Taiwan-built brands (Ocean Alexander, Horizon) face 32%.3:27 A 90-day pause reduced most rates to a flat 10%, but that window expires in July 2025, after which country-specific rates resume.6:13 US buyers are shifting toward domestic brands like Catalina and late-model used boats; brokers report rising demand for duty-paid used Lagoon and Beneteau listings already in the country.9:12 No catamarans are built in the US, leaving that segment with no tariff-free new-boat option.12:11 Group Beneteau reported revenues down 29% and operating profit down 60% in 2024 before tariffs hit.13:41 Beneteau is considering expanding its existing US factories in Cadillac, Michigan and Marion, South Carolina to avoid import costs.16:40 Some manufacturers are quietly splitting tariff costs with dealers on orders already in the pipeline to prevent cancellations.18:19

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