Paramount Perspectives: Navigating Tariffs with Strategy

Tariffs and Timing

As summer unfolds and the yachting season hits full stride, many prospective owners are navigating more than just open waters, they’re navigating tariffs. Recent headlines have mentioned 10%, 20%, even 32% duties on imported yachts. So, what does that actually mean if you’re in the market today?

In this edition, Paramount Yachts breaks down the latest import tariffs and what they could mean for your next acquisition. 

The 10% Baseline: What Every Buyer Should Know

As of April 5, 2025, a 10% baseline tariff is in place for nearly all goods entering the U.S., including yachts. Whether your vessel is coming from Europe, Asia, Australia, or beyond, that 10% applies across the board. If you’re planning to import your yacht into the U.S., this fee is now part of the financial equation.

What’s Behind the Higher Rates?

In early April, additional surcharges were announced:

• 20% on EU-built yachts
• 32% on yachts from Taiwan
• Even steeper levies on Chinese-origin vessels

But there’s a catch: these higher surcharges are currently paused until mid-July. For now, EU and Taiwan yachts are still only subject to the base 10% tariff.

China-Built Yachts: A Separate Category

Unlike the EU and Taiwan, Chinese-built yachts face separate Section 301 tariffs. Initially set at 25%, some of these were raised again in April and only partially rolled back in May.

The result? Most yachts manufactured in China are currently subject to total duties of 30–50%.

No Surprises: Australia, Turkey, UAE

Yachts from countries like Turkey, Australia, and the UAE fall under the standard 10% baseline tariff, plus the usual 1.5% import duty. No additional surcharges or changes have been announced, making these builds a bit more predictable for buyers.

A Smart Alternative: Offshore Flagging

Here’s a strategy many savvy buyers are already exploring: offshore flagging.

If you choose to flag your yacht outside of the U.S. and avoid formal importation, NONE of these tariffs apply. With the right delivery plan, flag structure, and timing, you can navigate around these charges entirely.

The Takeaway

Tariffs may sound intimidating, but with proper guidance, they don’t have to be a dealbreaker. At Paramount Yachts, we help clients time their purchases, structure their ownership, and choose flags that align with their cruising goals.

Looking ahead to mid-July, we’ll be watching closely to see if the paused surcharges resume, or if new agreements offer lasting clarity. In the meantime, smart yachting starts with knowing your options. Own the ocean. We’ll show you how.