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Jones Act Hurts US Jobs and National Security

August 7, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

The Jones Act has slashed US cargo-ship production to a few vessels a year.
China builds over 4,000 ships while the US builds nearly none.
The law raises costs of ocean-shipped goods, hurting places like Puerto Rico.
The US military has to charter foreign ships due to lack of domestic capacity.

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Strategic Implications

The Jones Act may indicate a failed protectionist policy, which could have significant implications for US national security and trade. The law's inability to boost domestic shipbuilding suggests a need for reform, which could potentially strengthen the US maritime industry and reduce reliance on foreign ships.

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What Happened

Outdated Trade Law Fails to Boost Domestic Shipbuilding

The Jones Act, a 100-year-old protectionist legislation, has been criticized for its failure to boost the US merchant-marine industry. Despite its intentions, the law has led to a decline in US cargo-ship production, with China building over 4,000 ships while the US builds nearly none. The law also raises the costs of ocean-shipped goods, hurting places like Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and Alaska. The US military has even had to charter foreign ships due to the lack of domestic capacity, highlighting the need for reform. This was reported by the New York Post.

Source | Originally Published: August 3, 2026

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