Trump Extends Narrowed Jones Act Waiver for Energy Shipments

President Donald Trump has extended and narrowed a sweeping waiver of the Jones Act, allowing foreign-flagged ships to transport oil and other energy commodities between U.S. ports for an additional 90 days. The decision, finalized on August 10, 2026, comes just days before the previous exemption was set to expire on August 16 and aims to address ongoing energy market disruptions caused by the war in Iran.

The extension maintains relief from the requirements of the Jones Act, a 1920 law mandating that goods shipped between domestic coastal ports be transported on American-built, American-owned, and American-crewed vessels. However, the new waiver is significantly more restrictive than the original policy first enacted in mid-March 2026. It now requires case-by-case reviews of individual voyages and applies to a narrower list of commodities, including gasoline, jet fuel, crude oil, liquefied natural gas, and fertilizers. Going forward, the Pentagon must consult with the U.S. Maritime Administration to confirm the unavailability of qualified U.S.-flagged vessels before granting a waiver for any specific shipment.

The move reflects a political balancing act between addressing high...