Trump's Executive Order Seeks to Revive U.S. Shipbuilding and Combat China's Maritime Dominance

U.S. Shipbuilding

New Maritime Action Plan to Prioritize Shipbuilding, Workforce Development, and Infrastructure Overhaul

President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping executive order aimed at reviving the U.S. maritime industry and shipbuilding sector. The order focuses on public-private investments, long-term funding, and strategic policy reforms to reduce reliance on foreign-built vessels—particularly those from China.

The executive order mandates key federal agencies—including the Department of Defense, Homeland Security, and the U.S. Trade Representative—to submit a comprehensive Maritime Action Plan (MAP) within seven months. This MAP will outline actionable steps to strengthen domestic shipbuilding, ship repair, port infrastructure, and the maritime workforce.

A centerpiece of the plan is the creation of a maritime security trust fund. This fund will ensure stable financing for infrastructure modernization and shipyard upgrades. Moreover, it will support workforce training programs and offer financial incentives to boost domestic shipbuilding capacity.

Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security must propose new legislation to counter regulatory circumvention. Companies routing cargo through Canadian or Mexican ports to avoid U.S. laws may face added Customs and Border Protection (CBP) fees.

Another innovative policy under the order is the establishment of Maritime Prosperity Zones. These zones, including one proposed in the Great Lakes region, will serve as hubs for maritime economic growth and innovation.

In a further effort to challenge China’s dominance in global shipping, the executive order supports proposals by the USTR to impose docking fees on Chinese-built vessels or their owners. While intended to level the playing field, these measures raise concerns among U.S. industries about increased costs and the practical hurdles of rebuilding a competitive domestic shipbuilding base.

The executive order represents one of the most aggressive policy pushes in decades to reassert U.S. leadership in maritime manufacturing and logistics. Yet, its success will depend heavily on how effectively agencies implement the MAP and secure bipartisan support for legislative changes.