Trump's Shipbuilding Plans Draw 72% Public Support Amid China Concerns

President Donald Trump is advocating for a revival of U.S. shipbuilding as a response to China's dominance in the global maritime industry, which has seen China increase its market share from less than 5% in 1999 to 50% by 2023. A recent poll indicates that 72% of Americans support reducing reliance on foreign ship manufacturers, highlighting national security concerns about China's grip on the $150 billion shipping market. The Trump administration is proposing tariffs on Chinese-built ships and aiming for legislation that mandates a portion of U.S. exports be shipped on American vessels. Critics, however, question the feasibility of these plans, warning that they may disrupt the maritime supply chain. Bipartisan support for the initiative appears strong, as lawmakers recognize the urgency of revitalizing domestic shipbuilding capabilities. The U.S. has fallen to 19th globally in shipbuilding, a stark decline from its once-dominant position.