President Donald Trump ordered a 90-day extension of the Jones Act waiver, effective immediately after the previous waiver expired, the White House confirmed on Friday. The decision ensures no lapse in the waiver, which allows foreign-flagged vessels to transport commodities such as oil and refined petroleum products between U.S. ports.
The White House press office stated the extension begins at midnight Monday, following the expiration of the prior waiver at 11:59 p.m. ET Sunday. The Jones Act waiver has been in place since March, with previous extensions granted in May and August. Since its implementation, the waiver has facilitated the transport of 90 million additional barrels of products, including 27 million barrels of gasoline, 26 million barrels of crude oil, and 6 million barrels of renewable fuels.
The administration cited supply disruptions from ongoing international conflicts as a key factor in the decision. Maritime domestic product volume rose 40% compared to last year, with the West Coast—particularly California—receiving the majority of shipments. The White House reported 23 million additional barrels arrived on the West Coast, including 13 million barrels of gasoline and 4 million barrels of renewable fuels.
How the Jones Act waiver works
The Jones Act, enacted in 1920, mandates that cargo transported by water between U.S. ports must be carried on vessels that are built, flagged, and owned in the United States and crewed primarily by U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The law was designed to support the domestic maritime industry and national defense. Waivers are permitted for national defense interests or to address supply chain disruptions.
The current waiver applies to refined petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel, and renewable fuels, as well as crude oil. The White House did not specify whether the extension covers additional commodity types beyond those previously included.