China
The 10% tariff on all Chinese imports took effect February 4, with a limited exception for goods in transit before February 1. The de minimis exemption for small shipments under $800 is currently on pause until the Secretary of Commerce notifies the President that "adequate systems are in place to fully and expediently process and collect tariff revenue for all Chinese products".
On February 10, China's retaliatory tariffs (tariffs on specific US goods into China) went into effect, adding an additional 15% tariff on US coal and liquefied natural gas imports and an additional 10% tariff on US crude oil, agricultural machinery, and certain cars and pickup trucks.
Steel and Aluminum
On February 10, President Trump signed proclamations to put a 25% tariff on all imported steel and aluminum that is set to become effective March 12, 2025. The 25% steel tariff had been implemented in his previous administration, but was later modified to allow numerous exemptions. Similarly, he had imposed a 10% tariff on aluminum, which also saw many exemptions in the time since. Through this latest order, all previous exemptions from the steel and aluminum tariffs are now void.
Reciprocal Tariffs
On February 13, Trump signed a memorandum directing his administration to develop a plan for implementing reciprocal tariffs on US imports. While details are being developed, these tariffs are likely to mirror tariffs placed on US goods being imported to other countries. An example of this is the US tariff on ethanol is 2.5% while the US ethanol entering Brazil is imposed with an 18% tariff; a reciprocal tariff would increase the US tariff to 18%. The current expectation is that the Commerce Secretary and US Trade Representative will study and report on tariff rates on a country-by-country basis.
On February 1, 2025, President Trump signed executive orders imposing significant tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China. The measures include:
These tariffs are in addition to existing duties and eliminate the $800 de minimis exemption for small shipments. The administration cited national security concerns related to immigration, drug trafficking, and supply chain risks as justification.
Chinese Tariff
While the 10% tariff on all Chinese imports is now in effect, the de minimis exemption for small shipments under $800 is temporarily suspended pending the Secretary of Commerce's notification to the President that "adequate systems are in place to fully and expediently process and collect tariff revenue for all Chinese products."
Steel and Aluminum
On February 10, 2025, President Trump signed proclamations imposing a 25% tariff on all imported steel and aluminum, effective March 12, 2025. This action revives and expands upon tariffs from his previous administration:
All prior exemptions for both steel and aluminum tariffs are now void.
Reciprocal Tariffs
On February 13, 2025, Trump signed a memorandum directing his administration to develop a plan for implementing reciprocal tariffs on US imports. These tariffs aim to mirror those placed on US goods by other countries. For example:
The Commerce Secretary and US Trade Representative are expected to study and report on tariff rates on a country-by-country basis.
China
In retaliation to the US tariffs, imposed additional tariffs on specific US goods, effective February 10, 2025:
Canada
Mexico
Trump warned that retaliatory tariffs could trigger further tariff escalation.
The Chinese tariffs that are now in effect, and the possibility of tariffs being reinstated with Canada and Mexico, will have a significant and direct impact on the pool and hot tub industry. Imported or exported products, components, and materials used in the manufacturing of pool and hot tub products to or from Mexico, Canada, and China will be directly impacted by the tariffs.
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) and the International Hot Tub Association (IHTA) recognize that our membership encompasses manufacturers and businesses with diverse and competing interests regarding potential tariff implementations. PHTA/IHTA have deliberately adopted an agnostic position that respects the varied perspectives within our membership.
PHTA and IHTA committees have, however, been proactively engaging with the new administration, offering ourselves and our membership as a conduit for balanced dialogue and ensuring that multiple viewpoints are represented should the new administration reach out to us to discuss the proposed tariffs. Additionally, PHTA is working closely with our federal lobbyist team DCLRS and various organizations (i.e. National Association of Manufactures) to navigate these proposals and work towards a favorable outcome for all involved.
PHTA/IHTA encourages our members to share the impact of tariffs on their businesses, whether positive or negative. Companies can directly reach out to their representative members of Congress or share the impacts with PHTA, who will then communicate with members of Congress and the administration.
A good starting point for IHTA and manufacturer members is to examine your supply chains and compile a list of general products, components, and materials used in your manufacturing that are imported from these countries. PHTA is in the process of creating a form to compile this information from members. Once received, PHTA will aggregate this information into an anonymized list to protect competitive interests. This data will then be used in our advocacy efforts to highlight the impact on our industry and identify potential future exemptions.
The PHTA Government Relations team, IHTA, the PHTA Government Relations Advisory Committee (GRAC), and other PHTA committees are working together as new tariff developments evolve. PHTA will continue to update the industry as new developments come to light.
Please reach out to PHTA Director of Government Relations Tyler Jones with any questions.