28 APRIL 2018 • FOGHORN LEGISLATIVEREPORT By Ed Welch, PV A Legislative Director 2570 Beverly Dr. #128, Aurora, IL 60502 T 630.236.3500 CENTA Power trAnsmIssIon LeADIng By InnovAtIon • USA based production • Over 20 unique designs • Over 16 million sold • Torsional vibration experts Trust CENTA – The Global Innovator Since 1970 CENTALINK Carbon Fiber Driveshafts Innovative flexible couplings for marine applications PASSENGERVESSELS PASSENGERVESSELS PASSENGERVESSELS M.V. Peralta Half-Life Refurbishment | Spring 2018 Marine Group Boat Works is the finest California boatbuilder and repairer of steel and aluminum high-speed ferries, catamarans and passenger vessels up to 220 feet-long.Operating two shifts, six days per week for fast turnarounds and minimized vessel time out-of-service. leah@marinegroupbw.com marinegroupbw.com | [619] 621-2220 Contact Leah Yam to quote or schedule your next haul out. PASSENGERVESSELS ROLLINGOUTTHE NEXTGENERATIONOF P resident Trump has repeatedly made clear that his international trade policies will be based on the principle of “America First.” This approach has implications for the U.S. domestic maritime industry, including the passenger vessel sector. On March 8, the president issued two proclamations imposing tariffs of 25 percent on most imported steel and 10 percent on imported aluminum. No tariffs will be imposed on such imports from Canada and Mexico, because of the “special circumstances” existing between the U.S. and its adjacent neighbors. To the extent that these executive orders result in increased market prices for these metals, the cost of building new passenger vessels of aluminum or steel could increase by an undetermined amount. Other importing nations may also be spared. Any nation with which the U.S. has a security relationship is welcome to petition for tariff relief and propose alternative ways to address the issue. If an agreement can be reached, the president may remove or modify the tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from that country. President Trump acted using authority he possesses under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended. This little-used provision of law enables the federal government to determine whether any article “is being imported into the United States in such quantities or under such cir- cumstances as to threaten to impair the national security.” Note that the analysis goes beyond a determination Will Steep Tariffs on Most Imported Steel and Aluminum Affect Shipbuilding Costs?