Mr. Trump temporarily lifted the ‘hundred-year maritime law’ to reduce the impact of the Iran war

“President Donald Trump’s decision to lift the Jones Act in 60 days is a step to minimize short-term disruptions to the oil market, as the US military continues to implement the goals of Operation Terrifying Fury,” White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said on March 18.

The Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act, was enacted by the United States in 1920 to promote and maintain the country’s commercial maritime industry. The law requires that goods transported between ports in the US must be carried by ships built in the US, flying the US flag and majority owned by the US. This regulation significantly reduces the number of tankers that can participate in domestic shipping, but is supported by unions in the maritime industry.

The temporary waiver will allow foreign ships to transport goods between US ports, which could help reduce transportation costs and speed up deliveries. However, analysts say the impact on retail gasoline prices will likely be negligible.

Spokesman Leavitt said the measure would allow essential resources such as oil, natural gas, fertilizer and coal to flow freely to US ports for 60 days.

“The Administration remains committed to strengthening our key supply chains,” Ms. Leavitt said.

The move took place in the context of the war between the US, Israel and Iran, which has entered its third week and shows no signs of cooling down. Tehran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world’s oil supply passes, in response, causing the price of oil and refined products to increase sharply.

The US has temporarily lifted the Jones Act a number of times in the past, such as when Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico in 2017 and when an energy pipeline was attacked by a cyber attack in 2021.