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Senator says U.S. shipbuilding trails China by wide margin
A Republican senator stated that U.S. shipyards build vessels far slower than Chinese yards and that waterfront redevelopment has reduced domestic capacity. The senator linked the slowdown to decades of under-investment and called for renewed focus on the maritime industrial base.
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A Republican senator told Fox News that American shipyards build ships at a rate 230 times slower than Chinese facilities and complete repairs 90 percent slower. The senator said the gap stems from decisions made during a long period of peace, when waterfront property was converted to residential use and heavy industry moved overseas.
Executive actions In April 2025 the White House issued an executive order that established the Maritime Action Plan, directed cabinet departments to develop strategies to increase vessel output, and eased regulatory steps for private ship construction. During a joint address to Congress, President Trump stated the United States would resume rapid production of ships.
Industrial-base concerns The senator noted that rebuilding naval capacity requires more time than restoring Army or Air Force strength, estimating one to two years for the Army and up to five years for the Air Force. The senator added that both parties now recognize the need to reverse under-investment in the fleet.
