Trump extends Jones Act waiver 90 days for foreign ships moving energy, fertilizers

President Donald Trump recently extended a waiver for 90 days, allowing foreign ships to transport goods, including oil, fertilizers, and other fossil fuel products, among U.S. ports. This waiver was initially introduced on March 17 to facilitate easier transportation of oil and refined fuels, aiming to alleviate price pressures following the onset of the Iran conflict.

The latest extension, effective from August 17, indicates potential US preparations for enduring price pressures due to the Strait of Hormuz being effectively blocked by the ongoing war. This is the first time the Pentagon will consult with the Maritime Administration to identify which voyages are exempt from the 1920 Jones Act, which previously barred non-US-flagged vessels from transporting goods between U.S. ports.

The waiver will primarily cover cargo sources of energy and agricultural commodities like fertilizers and soybean oil. White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers stated that the administration extended the waiver to guarantee uninterrupted access for the military and key industries to crucial resources. She added that the move has boosted domestic deliveries of gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.