Recent EU trade agreements with Mercosur, Australia and India are expected to improve market access for Europe’s boating industry and support export opportunities for boatbuilders and equipment manufacturers.

With provisional application of the EU-Mercosur agreement confirmed from 1 May 2026, tariffs for recreational boats are set to be reduced gradually over a period of 10 to 15 years, while other products relevant to the sector, such as sails and lifejackets, will see tariff reductions over four years. Current tariffs for exports to Brazil can reach between 20% and 35% for parts of the boating industry.

The recent agreements with Australia and India also open new opportunities for the sector in key export markets. Taken together, these developments are an important step for an industry that relies strongly on exports and on reducing both tariff and non-tariff barriers to support competitiveness and diversification.

For a more detailed briefing, please contact the EBI Secretariat.