Four major U.S. labor unions have urgently called on former President Donald Trump to confront China’s overwhelming control of global shipbuilding through tariffs and workforce revitalization. The United Steelworkers, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Boilermakers, and Machinists unions warned that China’s state-backed expansion threatens national security and has caused shipyard closures across America.
In a letter obtained by The Associated Press, union leaders demanded strict penalties against Chinese vessels and policies to rebuild domestic capacity. Their 2023 petition under Biden’s administration leveraged Section 301 of the Trade Act, targeting China’s $100 billion in shipbuilding subsidies from 2010–2018.
As a Bath Iron Works shipyard worker, I’ve seen layoffs and shutdowns firsthand due to China’s predatory tactics,said Machinists Union President Brian Bryant.
Startling data highlights the crisis:
- China produced 1,000+ ocean-going vessels in 2023 vs. under 10 in the U.S.
- Chinese shipyards secured over 50% of global orders last year.
Trump recently emphasized shipbuilding declines in interviews, stating: We don’t build like before—a ship a day was routine. Now it’s a big deal. We’ll restart this industry, maybe with allies. His 10% tariff on Chinese imports over fentanyl ties into broader trade resets.
Analysts question if Trump’s focus on Canada, Mexico, and EU allies distracts from the China threat. Union leaders argue robust penalties and U.S. industrial reinvestment could reclaim jobs and safeguard military supply chains. With Beijing controlling critical trade routes like the Panama Canal, the stakes transcend economics.
