What is the Trump administration considering regarding the Jones Act waiver, and why?

The Trump administration is weighing whether to renew a 60-day maritime shipping waiver—originally issued on March 18—that temporarily exempts oil, fuel, and other commodities from the Jones Act’s requirement that vessels transporting goods between U.S. ports be American-built, -flagged, and -operated. The waiver is set to lapse in May, and its renewal is being considered amid global energy supply strains caused by the Iran war, particularly the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has created a 16 million barrel-per-day shortfall in global crude supplies.

How has the current Jones Act waiver been used, and what impact has it had on domestic oil movement?

According to White House data first reported by Axios, the waiver has been used—or is about to be used—by more than 40 tankers and has enabled roughly 9 million barrels of American oil to reach domestic destinations including California, Florida, and Alaska. Supporters say it has allowed more U.S. oil to reach domestic refiners, helping keep fuel prices in check during the global supply crisis.

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Trump Weighs Shipping Waiver Renewal to Ease Oil, Gas Prices

Apr 21, 2026

The Trump administration is weighing a renewal of a Jones Act waiver to ease oil and gas shipping between US ports amid global supply strains. This exemption aims to stabilize domestic prices by enabling more American crude to reach refineries during the ongoing Iran conflict.

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