The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) announced the winners of the 2025 IBEX Innovation Awards Program. The program is managed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and judged by Boating Writers International (BWI). The judges selected Innovation Award winners and honorable mentions from 112 entries submitted by exhibiting marine industry companies—a record number [...]

Snyder Manufacturing's coated mesh is printable, U.S.-made and custom colors available. Photo: Snyder Manufacturing This 72-inch 10-ounce coated mesh is UV-resistant and can be made flame-retardant upon request. The flame-retardant version passes California State Fire Marshall Title 19 NFPA-701-2019 Test Method A. ASTM E-84 Class A flame spreading rating. Printable, U.S.-made and custom colors available.snyderman.com

Image: Herculite® Products Inc. Herculite® Products Inc., a manufacturer of high-performance and custom fabrics, has announced the appointment of Austin Barshinger as the new quality supervisor in York, Pa. Barshinger joined Herculite in December 2021. During this time, he has advanced to a Level 7 Lam Operator, earned his Master Supervisor Certificate through the Manufacturers’ [...]

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) released its annual Total Industry Sales by Category and State Report, part of NMMA’s 2024 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract. The 2024 data reveals recreational marine spending remained healthy last year, with total retail expenditures hitting $55.6 billion, down slightly (2.6 percent) from 2023. In addition to healthy spending, the [...]

The U.S. Department of Commerce has opened the second round of its inclusion process for the department's investigation into Section 232 imports of aluminum and steel derivative products. Aluminum and steel derivative producers must submit product inclusion requests by Sept. 29 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Following this deadline, a two-week comment period will be held [...]

U.S. consumer confidence slipped in August, according to the latest report released Aug. 27 by The Conference Board. The August Consumer Confidence Index® headline index fell 1.3 points to 97.4, down from 98.7 in July. The Present Situation Index declined to 131.2, while the Expectations Index dropped to 74.8, well below the 80-point threshold that historically signals [...]

Attendees of The Makers Meet hosted by Trivantage® expressed appreciation for networking opportunities with peers, hands-on demonstrations and witnessing fabric construction. Photo: Trivantage Trivantage®, a supplier for workroom and upholstery professionals, held The Makers Meet Aug. 14–15. This new educational event was designed to celebrate the skill, creativity and community of workrooms and upholstery shops. [...]

Image: Designtex Designtex, a designer and manufacturer of applied materials for the built environment, has added a new artificial intelligence (AI) image search feature to its website, designtex.com. The AI feature was developed in collaboration with Stylib, a tech startup. After a user uploads an image or selects a swatch, the system analyzes the content [...]

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued further modifications to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), effective Mon., Sept. 8. The changes were issued in the Sept. 5 Executive Order “Modifying the Scope of Reciprocal Tariffs and Establishing Procedures for Implementing Trade and Security Agreements.” The order further modifies import duties imposed by [...]

The Indian government announced Aug. 28 that the country will extend its import duty exemption on cotton until Dec. 31. Previously, the exemption was to be in effect until ⁠Sept. 30. The exemption reduces the import duty on cotton from 11% to 0%. The decision was informed by the Indian Central Board of Indirect Taxes [...]