This paper focuses on the impact of the trade reforms on performance, as measured by efficiency improvements and competitiveness of the shipbuilding and boatbuilding industry. While the latter is a sub sector of the former, it is treated separately because of its export potentials. The study also verifies the hypothesis that exposure to foreign competition leads to improvements in industrial efficiency through improved access to imported intermediate goods as well as in the level of intra-industry competition. Policy implications include a continued liberalization of the sectors with a focus on the input side. High interest rates, foreign exchange controls and age distortions should also be addressed.