The federal government’s new tariffs on imported goods—including new boats—are likely to increase the cost to boat buyers dramatically. The White House trade actions include a 10% baseline tariff, plus additional tariffs on certain countries. If you buy a boat from overseas, the total cost is expected to be 50% higher or more as a result of the tariffs.
One solution that boat buyers can consider is flagging a new, foreign-built vessel outside the United States. Our partners at the Annapolis School of Seamanship (ASOS) dig into the subject of foreign flagging with maritime law expert Todd Lochner of Lochner Law Firm. In ASOS’s new From the Wheelhouse series, Lochner says foreign flagging isn’t just for megayachts anymore; even purchasers of smaller yachts can benefit.
