SHIPS for America Act of 2025

60508. Importation on American ships

(a) In general. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, not less than the covered percentage, as described in subsection (b), of covered goods by tonnage imported into the United States from a foreign port shall be imported on a vessel that is—

(1) a vessel of the United States;

(2) crewed by United States mariners; and

(3) built in the United States.

(b) Percentage. A covered percentage under this section is the following:

(1) One percent in the year that is 5 years after the date of enactment of this section.

(2) Two percent in the year that is 6 years after the date of enactment of this section.

(3) Three percent in the year that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this section.

(4) Four percent in the year that is 8 years after the date of enactment of this section.

(5) Five percent in the year that is 9 years after the date of enactment of this section.

(6) Six percent in the year that is 10 years after the date of enactment of this section.

(7) Seven percent in the year that is 11 years after the date of enactment of this section.

(8) Eight percent in the year that is 12 years after the date of enactment of this section.

(9) Nine percent in the year that is 13 years after the date of enactment of this section.

(10) Ten percent in the year that is 14 years after the date of enactment of this section.

(c) Application. The requirement under subsection (a) shall be applied to any shipper importing goods into the United States that originates from a foreign port or place.

(d) Fine for failure To comply

(1) In general. On an annual basis, the Maritime Administrator shall issue a fine to any entity failing to comply with the requirements under this section.

(2) Amount. The amount of a fine under this section shall be in an amount set by the Maritime Administrator that is greater than the difference in cost between—

(A) the cost of employing a vessel of the United States that is built in the United States and crewed by United States mariners; and

(B) the cost of employing a foreign vessel that is registered under the laws of a country with an open registry and is built outside of the United States.

(3) Use of amounts. Any amount collected under this subsection shall be deposited in the Maritime Security Trust Fund.

(e) Rulemaking required. Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this section, the Maritime Administrator, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission, shall promulgate a final rule that establishes a system that—

(1) identifies persons and goods that are subject to the requirements of this section;

(2) establishes requirements for such persons and goods that meet the applicable percentages established under subsection (b);

(3) establishes clear enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with this section; and

(4) determines the amount of a fine issued under subsection (d).

(f) Definitions. In this section:

(1) Country with an open registry. The term country with an open registry means a country that allows vessels to be documented under the laws of the country, without regard to the citizenship of the owner of the vessel or the citizenship of the crew of the vessel.

(2) Covered goods. The term covered goods means goods manufactured in the People’s Republic of China.

(3) Shipper. The term shipper has the meaning given such term in section 40102 of this title.

60508. Importation on American ships.