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Congressmen introduce American Port Access Privileges Act to support exporters

Three California congressmen this week introduced the American Port Access Privileges Act to put US exporters “at the front of the line” at the country’s ports. This legislation follows up on the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022, signed into law by President Biden on June 16.

“Foreign exporters’ access to the American market and our consumers is a privilege, not a right,” said Congressman John Garamendi. “Cargo ships looking to offload foreign-made products and profit off West Coast ports must provide opportunities for American exports in return. Our legislation would put American exports at the front of the line at our ports to support American businesses and workers. Congress must restore fairness at our ports for American exporters to help reduce the United States’ longstanding trade imbalance with countries like China.”

Congressman Jim Costa added: “Supply chain disruptions are hurting California farmers and exporters like never before. We need to remove bottlenecks and mitigate congestion at our ports to carry out American exports.”

The legislation seeks to codify the current preferences for military, Jones Act, and other US-flagged vessels in place at many major American ports; establish a secondary berthing preference for ocean-going commercial vessels servicing multiple ports in the US or with significant cargo bookings of American exports; and authorise the US Department of Transportation to collect data on berthing and cargo practices at the nation’s ports to evaluate ocean carriers’ practices for port calls and cargo bookings.

Kim Biggar

Kim Biggar started writing in the supply chain sector in 2000, when she joined the Canadian Association of Supply Chain & Logistics Management. In 2004/2005, she was project manager for the Government of Canada-funded Canadian Logistics Skills Committee, which led to her 13-year role as communications manager of the Canadian Supply Chain Sector Council. A longtime freelance writer, Kim has contributed to publications including The Forwarder, 3PL Americas, The Shipper Advocate and Supply Chain Canada.

Comments

  1. “the abandonment of the protective policy by the American government will produce want and ruin among our people.” Abraham Lincoln

    ” Unfettered free trade has failed us in the past, and they will fail us in the future. We need trade policies that are based on FAIR
    trade, not unfettered free trade”. Senate Speech by Sen. Bernie Sanders on Unfettered Free Trade

    ” The government solution to a problem is usually as bad as the problem.

    When government – in pursuit of good intentions – tries to rearrange the economy, legislate morality, or help special interests, the cost come in inefficiency, lack of motivation, and loss of freedom. Government should be a referee, not an active player.” Milton Friedman

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