President Donald Trump has extended a waiver of the Jones Act for another 90 days, allowing foreign-flagged vessels to carry oil, fuel, and agricultural goods between U.S. ports in a move aimed at easing supply-chain strain caused by the war with Iran. The latest extension, effective August 17, narrows the list of eligible cargoes to crude oil, gasoline, jet fuel, naphtha, LNG, soybean oil, and fertilizers, and requires each voyage to undergo a separate review by the Pentagon and Maritime Administration.
White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said the extension was meant to ensure the military and critical industries retain uninterrupted access to essential resources. The original waiver was issued in March after the conflict with Iran sent oil prices surging; West Texas Intermediate crude rose from roughly $65 before the war to nearly $113 by early April, though it has since retreated to around $82.
The waiver has been used for more than 230 voyages so far, but has drawn opposition from U.S. shipbuilders and some congressional Republicans.