(AJOT) New Shipbuilding Measures Help Correct Course for U.S. Maritime Supply Chain.

(Excerpt from: https://www.ajot.com/news/new-shipbuilding-measures-help-correct-course-for-u.s-maritime-supply-chain)

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced on Thursday that it will push back against China’s dominance of the global maritime supply chain, targeting the unfair and anti-competitive non-market practices that have gravely damaged U.S. manufacturers, workers and the U.S. economy. The agency will phase in escalating fees on Chinese-built vessels and foreign-built car carrier vessels.

Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) President Scott Paul said:

"The largest obstacles to shipbuilding in the United States are the unfair trade and economic practices of China. While no nation should be faulted for seeking to develop maritime capabilities, Beijing's ambitions go well beyond that. Our nation's shipbuilders and workers deserve a level playing field and haven't had one for decades. We thank the United Steelworkers and their labor partners for initiating this groundbreaking case.

"These measures, coupled with strategic investments in our maritime supply chains and workforce, open new opportunities to revitalize a critically important sector. We look forward to working with the administration and bipartisan supporters in Congress to make sure that this effort is a success."

The USTR's announcement follows the agency's Jan. 16 report that China has unfairly advantaged its maritime, logistics and shipbuilding industries through non-market policies and warrants "urgent action." Also, on April 9, the President signed an executive order directing his National Security Advisor to work with various government agencies to develop a Maritime Action Plan that assesses how available authorities and resources can be used to invest in and expand the maritime industrial base.