Catherwood LibraryILR School

Four major labor unions are urging President Donald Trump to strengthen U.S. shipbuilding and impose tariffs on China, citing its growing dominance in the industry. The unions argue that Chinese government subsidies have harmed American workers and national security, with China producing over 1,000 ships in 2023 while the U.S. built fewer than ten. They previously petitioned for trade penalties under the Biden administration and are now pressing Trump to take action. The White House says it is exploring options, while Trump has acknowledged the decline in U.S. shipbuilding and expressed interest in reviving the industry.