White House weighs extending Jones Act waivers as Iran conflict raises price concerns

The White House is weighing another extension of waivers allowing foreign ships to transport goods between U.S. ports as renewed conflict with Iran raises concerns about energy prices and supply disruptions, two sources familiar with the discussions said on Wednesday.

The Trump administration is considering whether to extend the waivers with geographic restrictions, limiting where foreign-flagged vessels can transport goods between U.S. ports, as officials seek to preserve a tool they say has helped ease supply pressures while addressing criticism from maritime industry groups and Republican allies.

The White House, along with the heads of the Energy, Transportation and Interior departments, met earlier this week to weigh options ahead of a potential decision before the end of July, the sources said.