Published：Mar 12, 14:47Last updated：Mar 19, 06:38

Trump Administration Temporarily Waives Jones Act Amid US-Israel Conflict with Iran

Mar. 12, 2026 14:47

The Trump administration plans to waive a century-old maritime law requiring American ships for transporting goods between US ports. This move aims to reduce surging oil and gasoline prices. The decision was reported by sources familiar with the matter on March 12, 2026, as part of efforts to address rising fuel costs.

Summarized

16News

9Media

Mar. 19, 2026 00:07

The Trump administration announced a temporary 60-day waiver of the Jones Act, a law requiring goods shipped between U.S. ports to be transported on U.S.-flagged vessels. This move aims to address disruptions caused by the ongoing U.S.-Israel war against Iran, which has affected energy markets and supply chains. The Jones Act, enacted in 1920 to protect American shipping, has faced criticism for delaying deliveries and increasing costs, especially for fuel. Some analysts believe the waiver may have limited impact on reducing consumer fuel prices.

Mar. 19, 2026 06:38

President Donald Trump announced a 60-day exemption from the Jones Act, which restricts maritime transport to US ships only. The move has garnered attention regarding the law's contents and potential effects on maritime logistics.

In a significant policy move, the administration of President Donald Trump announced a temporary 60-day waiver of the Jones Act on March 18, 2026, in response to escalating disruptions in energy markets and supply chains caused by the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. The Jones Act, a maritime law enacted in 1920, requires that goods transported between US ports be carried on US-built, US-flagged, and US-crewed vessels. The waiver aims to alleviate transportation bottlenecks, stabilize domestic energy prices, and address inflationary pressures, though experts remain divided on its likely effectiveness for consumers.Toronto Star+2

⚓ Understanding the Jones Act and Its Controversies

The Jones Act was designed to protect the US shipping industry and national security by restricting domestic maritime transport to American vessels. While supporters argue it preserves American jobs and ensures a robust merchant marine, critics claim it increases costs, delays deliveries, and hampers rapid response during crises. The law has faced renewed scrutiny amid the current conflict, with some analysts and industry groups highlighting its role in exacerbating fuel shortages and supply chain delays during emergencies.The Korea Times+2

🛢️ Details and Scope of the 60-Day Waiver

The Trump administration’s 60-day exemption allows foreign-flagged ships—including those from allied nations—to transport energy products and other goods between US ports. This temporary suspension is intended to ease transportation costs and mitigate the impact of rising oil prices linked to the conflict with Iran. While the administration hopes the measure will help stabilize energy markets, some analysts caution that the effect on consumer fuel prices may be limited due to broader global supply issues.ChinaNews+2

🌍 Geopolitical Context and Market Implications

The waiver comes amid heightened US-Israel military actions against Iran, which have disrupted global energy supplies and contributed to volatility in oil markets. The administration’s move is framed as a pragmatic response to an international crisis, seeking to ensure the steady flow of essential goods and support American consumers. Early market reactions have been mixed, with some optimism about improved logistics but ongoing concerns about long-term impacts on the US maritime sector and national security.The Korea Times+2

IranIsraelDonald TrumpUnited StatesCaroline Leavitt