The United States was the largest exporter with 34% of the world total, and Canada was the largest buyer.
What this market covers
Boats built and used for leisure, including motorboats, sailboats, inflatables and personal watercraft, plus engines and services. Buyers are private owners, charter operators and boat clubs.
Typical segments
- Outboard motorboats
- Sailboats
- Inflatable boats
- Yachts
- Personal watercraft
Why this market is moving now
- World trade shrank 33% from 2022 to 2024, a direct read on cross-border demand.
Key figures
Global figures for this market, with the year each one describes. Use Cite to copy a reference to this page.
| Figure | Value | Year | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| World exports of motorboats, of a length <= 7,5 m, for pleasure or sports (HS 890331), the trade category that includes recreational boating, were worth $663.1 million in 2024. | 663.1 USD million | 2024 | |
| World exports were 33% lower in 2024 than in 2022 ($990.3 million), calculated from the annual totals. | -33 % since 2022 | 2024 | |
| The United States was the largest exporter in 2024, with 34% of world exports ($223.8 million). | 34 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The three largest exporters, the United States, Mexico and Belgium, shipped 70% of world exports in 2024. | 70 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| Canada was the largest importer in 2024, buying $187.1 million, or 28% of world imports. | 28 % of world imports | 2024 | |
| 31 countries exported more than $1 million of this product in 2024. | 31 countries | 2024 | |
| The average world export price was about $31.65 per kilogram in 2024, calculated from value and weight. | 31.65 USD per kg | 2024 | |
| Countries exported 21.0 thousand tonnes of this product in 2024. | 21.0 thousand tonnes | 2024 |
Calculated figures (shares, changes and prices per kilogram) are plain arithmetic on the reported values. Read how we work.
Buyers and suppliers
Who buys
- Private owners
- Charter and rental operators
- Marinas and dealers
Largest exporting countries, 2024
Largest importing countries, 2024
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the global market - 03Global market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Countries and regions
Demand, supply and trade by country and region - 05Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 06Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 07Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 08Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 09Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 10Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 11Method and assumptions
How every figure was built
Included with the full report
- PDF report, 40 to 60 pages
- Excel data pack
- Ready-to-use charts
- Method note and assumptions
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Frequently asked questions
How big is the global recreational boating market?
There is no single official market total. World exports of HS 890331 reached $663.1 million in 2024, a direct measure of cross-border trade.
Which countries export the most recreational boating?
The United States led world exports in 2024 with 34% of the total, followed by Mexico, Belgium and Poland.
Which countries import the most recreational boating?
Canada was the largest importer in 2024, followed by the United States, China and the United Kingdom.
Is world trade in recreational boating growing?
World exports were 33% lower in 2024 than in 2022.
What is the average export price of recreational boating?
Dividing world export value by weight gives about $31.65 per kilogram in 2024.
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