Trump Extends Jones Act Waiver for 90 Days with Tighter Approval Process
The Trump administration has extended the Jones Act waiver for another 90 days, allowing foreign-flagged vessels to carry oil and commodities between U.S. ports amidst the Iran conflict and high fuel costs. However, the waiver now requires case-by-case approval rather than blanket exemptions, according to sources.
President Trump has extended the Jones Act waiver for an additional 90 days, permitting foreign-flagged ships to transport oil and other commodities between U.S. ports. The move comes amid ongoing military tensions with Iran and rising fuel costs that have strained domestic shipping capacity.
Unlike previous waivers, the extension introduces a more restrictive approval process: instead of blanket exemptions, the administration now requires case-by-case authorization for each voyage. This change narrows the scope of the waiver, potentially limiting the number of vessels that can benefit from the exemption.
The Jones Act generally prohibits foreign ships from moving goods between U.S. ports unless a waiver is invoked. The decision reflects an effort to balance supply chain flexibility with concerns about national security and domestic shipping interests, according to sources with knowledge of the matter.
Source: First Squawk