What the Jones Act does and how a Trump suspension could affect fuel prices

"In the interest of national defense, the White House is considering waiving the Jones Act for a limited period of time to ensure vital energy products and agricultural necessities are flowing freely to U.S. ports. A White House official said the move wouldn't affect American shipbuilding."

"It is helpful. It will provide relief. But I do think we should set expectations. It will be, probably, modest. He estimates that it would offset single-digit cents per gallon at the retail level, though there are a lot of factors that shape the market, so retail prices could still rise because other forces swamp the effects of the waivers."

"The Jones Act requires that cargo transported by water between U.S. ports be shipped solely aboard vessels that are U.S.-built and citizen owned as well as registered under the U.S. flag and primarily crewed by Americans. Critics call it an antiquated law that hinders free trade, makes U.S. industry less competitive and has hiked prices for consumers."

The Jones Act, a 1920 law requiring cargo between U.S. ports to be transported on U.S.-built, citizen-owned vessels crewed primarily by Americans, may face a temporary 30-day waiver. The White House cites national defense interests and the need to maintain vital energy and agricultural supply flows. Critics argue the law is outdated and reduces U.S. competitiveness while raising consumer prices. A waiver could allow easier petroleum movement from the Gulf Coast to higher-cost East Coast ports. However, experts estimate price relief would be modest, potentially offsetting only single-digit cents per gallon at retail, as multiple market factors influence fuel costs beyond Jones Act restrictions.

Read at Axios