Testimony of Joe Kramek, President of the World Shipping Council Before the Inter-Agency Section 301 Committee Regarding Docket ID: USTR-2025-0003

WSC Members play crucial roles in the U.S. economy and the U.S. maritime sector. Our members enable American factories and farmers to serve export markets around the globe, supporting countless high-paying jobs across the United States. WSC members operate 75 percent of the U.S. Maritime Administration’s Maritime Security Program Fleet, comprised of U.S. flag, commercially viable, militarily useful merchant ships active in international trade that are available to support U.S. Department of Defense sustainment sealift requirements during times of conflict or other national emergencies. Additionally, WSC members operate two-thirds of the active U.S.-built liner vessels in operation and are responsible for all liner vessels currently on order in U.S. shipyards.

WSC supports the goal of building a strong and vibrant U.S. shipbuilding and maritime sector. A strong U.S. maritime sector will have positive ripple effects across the entire maritime industry. However, WSC strongly opposes the proposals in this proceeding for port fees and for requirements to use U.S.-flagged or U.S.-built vessels. These proposals will result in increased costs for U.S. exporters and consumers as well as supply chain inefficiencies, while failing to provide China with effective incentives to alter its acts, policies, and practices.

Download the full testimony here.