President Donald Trump has extended a waiver for foreign-flagged ships to transport commodities between U.S. ports for 90 days, but with new limitations. Coal and coal-derived products are excluded, and stronger oversight requiring consultation with MARAD on vessel availability has been imposed.
This decision impacts the cost and availability of critical commodities for U.S. industries and the military, while also addressing concerns from the domestic maritime industry about competition.
President Donald Trump's administration has extended a waiver for foreign-flagged ships to transport commodities between U.S. ports for another 90 days, implementing new limitations and enhanced oversight. The Jones Act typically mandates that cargo between U.S. ports must be carried on U.S.-built, owned, and crewed vessels. The previous waiver, which expired on August 16, relied on operators to justify using foreign vessels. The updated waiver requires the Department of Defense to consult with the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) on the availability of Jones Act vessels before granting a waiver. As of August 7, MARAD data showed that out of 212 documented waiver voyages, 19 cited the unavailability of Jones Act vessels. The waiver continues to cover products like diesel, gasoline, crude, soybean oil, and fertilizers, but explicitly excludes coal and coal-derived products. U.S.-based shipping groups oppose the extension, arguing it allows foreign operators routine access to domestic commerce, and prefer waivers be reserved for genuine emergencies.
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