Now’s the time to invest in our shipbuilding supply chain and workforce!
China’s decades-long campaign to sabotage America’s shipbuilding supply chain, its workers, and broader economy is under fire as U.S. port fees on Chinese-built vessels go into effect.
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced this past week that it would impose a $46 per net ton fee on vessel operators of foreign-built vehicle carriers, starting Oct. 14.
The penalties follow a USTR Section 301 investigation launched in April 2024 at the urging of five major labor unions, including the United Steelworkers. In January, the office announced that it had determined that China had unfairly advantaged its maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding industries through non-market practices and warranted “urgent action.”
The same unions that called on Washington to push back against China’s non-market, anti-competitive practices in the global maritime market through Section 301 have also urged Congress to pass the SHIPS for America Act.
The bipartisan legislation, introduced in May by Sens. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) alongside Reps. John Garamendi (D-Calif.) and Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), would create oversight and consistent funding for U.S. maritime policy as well as establish a national goal of expanding the U.S.-flag international fleet by 250 ships in 10 years.
Here’s why America needs a full court press on shipbuilding:
The United States was once the world’s leading shipbuilder, producing 15 to 25 new ships annually in the 1970s. That strength played a critical role in America’s WWII efforts and contributed to the nation’s economic success. However, as the Chinese Communist Party aimed its sights on dominating the global shipbuilding sector through unfair and anti-competitive non-market practices, U.S. shipyards have languished. Today, there are only 80 U.S.-flagged vessels in international commerce while China boasts 5,500.
The United States was once the world’s biggest shipbuilder, a legacy that defined our nation. If we don’t reclaim that power soon, it’ll be too late to claw back what we once had.
If passed, the SHIPS for America Act could channel funds collected from the USTR’s port fees into the revitalization of our shipbuilding supply chain, ensuring that our manufacturers and workers have a fair chance at reclaiming global maritime leadership.
With port fees in place, it’s time to get the SHIPS for America Act across the finish line. Join us in telling Congress to pass the SHIPS for America Act!
Support the SHIPS for America Act!
America was once the world’s greatest shipbuilder. But, now, as a result of China’s unfair practices and policies over the past three decades, our shipyards are floundering.
We can strengthen our shipbuilding supply chains, fortify our national security, and create thousands of well-paid jobs. Tell your Members of Congress to co-sponsor and support the SHIPS for America Act!