A broad coalition of U.S. labor groups and shipbuilding companies has launched a new campaign in Washington to revitalize the domestic shipbuilding industry and has formed a new alliance to support the long-stalled SHIPS for America Act.
The newly formed USA Shipbuilding Coalition, which includes unions, shipyards, and other industry stakeholders, is committed to saving the United States’ severely shrinking shipbuilding industry through coordinated lobbying efforts.
At the heart of the USA Shipbuilding Coalition is the bipartisan SHIPS for America Act, which proposes to expand the U.S.-built, U.S.-flagged fleet, invest in workforce training, and channel funds into shipyard infrastructure through mechanisms such as port fees and tonnage taxes on foreign vessels.
Senator Mark Kelly, one of the sponsors of the SHIPS for America Act, stated: “Currently, the United States has fewer than 100 ships engaged in international trade, while China has 5,500.”
The bill’s proposed measures also include the findings of a Section 301 investigation into China’s shipping, logistics, and shipbuilding industries, which could serve as the basis for future tariffs or fees.
Sources within the Trump administration have already expressed their support. A U.S. trade adviser stated, “The shipbuilding industry is critical to U.S. national security and economic strength,” adding that the alliance’s participation “should have a substantial impact.”
However, the bill still faces obstacles in the U.S. Congress, such as disagreements over funding structures and regulatory details. U.S. Senator Todd Young stated, “Revitalizing the U.S. shipbuilding industry will take time and money—but the cost of inaction is even higher.”