Labor unions demand Trump to revitalize US shipbuilding
- Labor unions have stated that China's shipbuilding practices are damaging American jobs and security.
- Chinese production vastly outnumbers U.S. shipbuilding, with over 1,000 vessels made compared to fewer than 10 by the U.S.
- Unions are calling for President Trump to enforce tariffs and rebuild American shipbuilding capacity.
In recent months, labor unions in the United States have expressed serious concerns regarding the declining state of American shipbuilding, particularly in contrast to China's growing dominance in the sector. On February 20, 2025, leaders from four major unions including the United Steelworkers and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers sent a letter to President Donald Trump advocating for decisive actions to boost shipbuilding capacities in the U.S. and implement stringent tariffs against Chinese-produced vessels. The unions argue that China's shipbuilding practices have severely undermined American jobs and national security, highlighting the disparity in production: China reportedly built over 1,000 vessels while the U.S. produced fewer than 10. The unions’ concerns are further compounded by China’s substantial government support of over $100 billion from 2010 to 2018, allowing Chinese shipyards to dominate global orders. Labor leaders have witnessed firsthand the adverse effects of these competitive practices; layoffs, closures, and a dwindling domestic manufacturing base are all part of a troubling landscape. In previous comments, President Trump had acknowledged the decline in American shipbuilding, underlining his intent to revive the industry and suggesting the involvement of allied nations in future ship construction endeavors. His administration's current focus, however, appears to be directed more towards particular tariffs related to the opioid crisis than on the wider implications of America's shipbuilding deficits. Furthermore, Trump’s potential strategies to combat Chinese practices have raised questions about the feasibility and implementation of the unions' proposed solutions.