A recent poll reveals overwhelming bipartisan support for President Donald Trump's initiative to strengthen U.S. shipbuilding, with 72% of Americans agreeing that the country must not remain reliant on China and other foreign producers for ship construction. The poll, conducted by Morning Consult for the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) between March 10-12, underscores widespread concern about China’s control over the global $150 billion shipping industry and its potential national security risks for the U.S.
The survey of 2,204 adults showed that only 11% believe the U.S. can continue depending on China and other foreign countries for its commercial and military shipbuilding needs. The findings come ahead of a crucial hearing by the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office, where discussions will focus on proposed measures like charging up to $1.5 million in fees for Chinese-built vessels entering U.S. ports.
The Trump administration’s proposed solutions, which include requiring at least 1% of U.S. exports to be shipped on U.S.-flagged vessels, were introduced following a Biden administration investigation into China's unfair dominance of the maritime sector. The probe, which began in April 2024, aims to address the decline of U.S. shipbuilding since the 1970s.
Public support for U.S. shipbuilding revival is robust, with 68% of Americans viewing the ability to build ships for commercial and military purposes as a national security issue. Additionally, 71% favor government investment in U.S. shipbuilding, and 70% believe Chinese-built floating docks endanger U.S. military security.
A significant portion of respondents (49%) supports imposing docking fees on Chinese vessels, and 56% back a requirement for U.S. exports to be transported on U.S.-built ships with U.S. crews. Trump plans to take executive action to enforce these measures and offer tax credits to stimulate domestic shipbuilding.
With strong public backing and increasing political support, the push to revitalize U.S. shipbuilding is gaining momentum amid concerns over China’s growing influence in global maritime trade.
