Trump Extends Jones Act Waiver for 90 Days with New Restrictions

President Donald Trump has announced a 90-day extension of the Jones Act waiver, which permits refiners to use foreign-flagged vessels to transport fuel between U.S. ports. This extension is the third of its kind and aims to alleviate high fuel prices attributed to the ongoing conflict in Iran. The waiver initially issued in March, suspends the requirement for goods transported between U.S. ports to be moved by U.S.-built, flagged, and crewed ships. White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers stated that the waiver ensures U.S. military and key industries have uninterrupted access to essential resources. As of August 7, 211 vessels have utilized the waiver, transporting approximately 55 million barrels of fuel, according to a Cato Institute tracker. The American Petroleum Institute praised the extension, while some Republican lawmakers and the domestic maritime industry have expressed concerns that the waiver negatively impacts domestic shipping jobs. The new terms of the extension require the Department of War to consult with the Maritime Administration regarding the availability of Jones Act-qualified vessels and limit the types of commodities eligible for shipment.