Feature, Freight News, Logistics, Sea

Jones Act Waiver Extended Through November

[ August 28, 2026   //   Gary Burrows ]

The Trump administration has extended its Jones Act waiver for another 90 days, continuing to allow foreign-flag vessels to move certain cargoes between U.S. ports as the government seeks to ease energy supply pressures stemming from disruptions in the Middle East.

The latest extension took effect Aug. 17 and runs through Nov. 15. It follows an initial 60-day waiver issued March 17 and a subsequent 90-day extension beginning May 18.

The Jones Act generally requires cargo moving between U.S. ports to be transported aboard vessels built in the U.S., owned by U.S. interests and qualified for the domestic coastwise trade.

The administration has argued that temporarily opening domestic movements to foreign vessels provides additional transportation capacity for critical commodities as disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has pressured global energy markets.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said earlier in August that the waiver had helped move energy supplies around the country and contributed to lower prices than otherwise might have occurred in California and along the East Coast.

The waiver has drawn opposition from U.S. maritime operators, unions and lawmakers who argue that prolonged access by foreign vessels diverts cargo from U.S.-flag operators and could undermine investment in the domestic maritime and shipbuilding industries.

That criticism creates a broader policy tension for an administration that has simultaneously emphasized rebuilding U.S. shipbuilding and maritime capacity.

The original March waiver was issued for 60 days following the outbreak of the Iran conflict. With the latest extension, the temporary suspension will remain in effect for about eight months.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection also revised procedures governing movements under the latest extension. Covered cargo must be loaded aboard the vessel before the waiver expires at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time Nov. 15.

Foreign vessel operators using the waiver remain subject to reporting requirements covering the vessel, voyage, ports and cargo carried.

Tags: U.S. Maritime Administration, US Customs and Border Protection