Trump, Signs Executive Order For Reconstruction Of American Shipbuilding Industry
On the 9th (local time) in the White House office in Washington DC, USA, President Donald Trump of the United States signing an executive order for the reconstruction of the shipbuilding industry (Source: EPA)
President Donald Trump of the United States signed an executive order on the 9th (local time) at the White House for the reconstruction of the shipbuilding industry and for restraining China's maritime influence. President Trump designated the shipbuilding industry as a key industry for national security, emphasizing the securing of the merchant marine to support the military activities of the US Navy and the recovery of shipbuilding capabilities.
President Trump said, “We will spend a lot of money on shipbuilding,” adding, “We are very far behind. We used to build a ship a day, but now we cannot even build one a year. And we have the capability to do so.”
This executive order was prepared under the leadership of the White House National Security Council (NSC) and Mike Waltz, National Security Advisor, and includes establishing a long-term plan for the US shipbuilding industry, expanding infrastructure, and restructuring to attract private investment.
The executive order also includes instructions to the US Trade Representative (USTR) to investigate unfair trade practices in China's shipbuilding, shipping, and logistics sectors. The US is considering imposing fees on international maritime transport services related to Chinese ships recently, and this action is interpreted as a procedure for its implementation.
Additionally, President Trump directed the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk, Tesla CEO, to conduct a full review of the ship procurement process of the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security and prepare an efficiency improvement plan. This is interpreted as a measure for cost reduction and self-reliance improvement in the procurement process.
The reconstruction of the shipbuilding industry is a field that President Trump has consistently emphasized. In his speech to the Federal Assembly last March, he stated, “We will revive the shipbuilding industry, including the construction of merchant ships and warships,” and promised to establish the White House Shipbuilding Office and provide special tax benefits.
This action is also increasing the possibility of cooperation with Korea, which has the world's number one shipbuilding competitiveness. President Trump mentioned cooperation in the shipbuilding field in his first call with Acting President of Korea, Prime Minister Han Deok-soo, the day before, and also expressed trust in Korean shipbuilding technology several times last year.
The Trump administration's move to revive the shipbuilding industry is interpreted as a direction to not only check China but also to reorganize the US industrial base through strategic cooperation with allies.