Opposition to Jones Act Waiver Extension Widens as Maritime Industry Pushes Back

The Trump administration’s decision to extend its broad Jones Act waiver another 90 days is drawing mounting opposition across the U.S. maritime sector, with labor unions, domestic operators, trade groups and lawmakers arguing the move undermines American shipping while doing little to address energy prices.

The extension, announced last week, keeps in place through mid-August emergency relief first granted in March allowing foreign-flag vessels to move oil, fuel, LNG, fertilizer and other covered cargoes between U.S. ports.

The White House has framed the measure as necessary to preserve supply flexibility amid disruptions linked to the Middle East crisis and elevated fuel