Leisure marine industry stakeholders are calling for a free, fair and predictable trading landscape. In a joint statement released simultaneously by ICOMIA, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), British Marine and the European Boating Industry (EBI), the associations emphasise the critical importance of clarity and parity in global trade policy to the long-term success of the recreational boating industry.

Leisure Marine Industry Barriers To Trade

As the recognised voice of the global recreational marine industry, ICOMIA is leading efforts to align national and regional stakeholders to strengthen international cooperation and remove barriers to trade. The statement underscores how today’s leisure marine sector is interconnected, innovation-driven, and highly dependent on cross-border supply chains.

“It is a key part of ICOMIA’s mission to coordinate and ensure collaboration across all of our industry partners,” said Joe Lynch, CEO of ICOMIA. “We need to demonstrate the overall value and benefits of our industry—and how we can all thrive if we come together with a united voice.”

A Global Industry with Shared Interests

From sailboats and motorboats to equipment manufacturers and marina developers, the leisure marine sector spans over 30,000 businesses worldwide, supporting hundreds of thousands of skilled jobs. Many companies operate across multiple jurisdictions, importing components or exporting vessels, making consistent and fair trade policies essential for growth and stability.

The joint statement from ICOMIA, NMMA and EBI stresses that trade unpredictability and regulatory fragmentation risk undermining the competitiveness and resilience of this highly integrated global industry. With increasing challenges around tariffs, certification requirements, and post-pandemic disruptions to supply chains, industry associations argue that now is the time to work collectively to safeguard global commerce.

A Call to Action for Industry Stakeholders

ICOMIA is encouraging all members, partners, and national associations to actively support this initiative. The organisation is also offering strategic guidance and advocacy resources to help local marine businesses engage with policymakers and communicate the industry’s value to their national economies.

“We invite our members and other organisations to join us in this collaboration,” Lynch added. “We also stand ready to support our members, throughout the world, in helping them articulate the importance of a predictable regulatory landscape.”

Supporting Sustainable Growth and Innovation

In addition to promoting open trade, ICOMIA’s efforts aim to support a sustainable and technologically advanced marine sector. By aligning global policy with industry innovation, the organisation seeks to ensure that marine businesses can continue to invest in eco-friendly technologies, workforce development, and customer experiences without being hindered by inconsistent or restrictive trade measures.

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