Jones Act waiver hints at a universe of blocked American maritime trade

45 foreign-flagged tankers carried domestic U.S. cargo under an emergency §501(c) Jones Act waiver
March 17, 2026

45 Total voyages 35 Unique vessels 9 Via Panama Canal

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Source: MARAD §501(c) Waiver Report, May 6, 2026

Note: The Jones Act (46 U.S.C. §501) requires domestic waterborne cargo be carried by U.S.-flagged, -built, and -crewed vessels. The March 17, 2026 emergency waiver allowed foreign-flagged vessels to carry domestic cargo, revealing the full scope of trade normally blocked by the law.