Critics Say Jones Act Undermines US Shipbuilding, Jobs and Security

An opinion piece argues that the century-old Jones Act has crippled American shipbuilding, raised freight costs and weakened national-security capabilities.

The commentary asserts that the Jones Act, a protectionist statute enacted a hundred years ago, has backfired by stifling the U.S. merchant-marine sector. Production of American cargo ships has fallen to a handful each year, contrasted with China’s output of over 4,000 vessels. Because U.S. shipbuilding costs are far higher, shippers favor imports or land transport, shrinking demand for domestic ships and inflating freight prices for regions such as Puerto Rico, Hawaii and Alaska.

The remaining fleet of 92 ships carries less than 4% of internal freight, compared with the European Union’s 28%. The shortage extends to specialized LNG tankers, making foreign imports cheaper than American ones. The author notes that the military has resorted to chartering foreign ships, raising concerns about readiness in prolonged conflicts or blockades.

Citing researcher Jennifer Chen, the piece highlights a steady decade-by-decade decline in domestic shipbuilding despite the law’s intent. It urges Congress and the President to repeal the Jones Act to restore shipyard activity, safeguard jobs and strengthen national-security logistics.