The United States extends "ship ban" exemption for 90 days to address supply shortages

The U.S. government announced on the 24th that President Trump has signed a document extending the suspension of the Jones Act implementation for 90 days. American White House Assistant Press Secretary Tyler Rogers expressed through social media on the same day that the suspension of the Jones Act implementation allows more supplies to reach U.S. ports faster, helping to maintain the supply of key energy products, industrial raw materials, and agricultural necessities. According to the Jones Act passed in 1920, ships transporting goods between domestic U.S. ports must be manufactured in the U.S., registered in the U.S., and fly the U.S. flag; the majority ownership of the ships must be held by U.S. citizens, and operated by U.S. crew members. On March 18th of this year, the U.S. government announced a 60-day suspension of the Jones Act implementation, lifting restrictions on domestic maritime shipping in order to curb the rise in oil prices caused by the actual closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Following military strikes by the U.S. and Israel against Iran on February 28th, there was a "blockage" in the shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. As a result, domestic fuel retail prices in the U.S. significantly increased, and shortages of industrial raw materials, fertilizers, and other supplies have had a severe impact on manufacturing and agricultural production.