Revisiting the Jones Act: From Protectionism to Partnership

Revisiting the Jones Act: From Protectionism to Partnership

Author: The Korea Society October 28, 2025 Duration: 55:46

October 8, 2025 - The United States and Korea are entering a pivotal phase of maritime cooperation. Since the start of the Trump 2.0 administration, South Korean shipbuilders have been courted as key partners in reviving the U.S. shipbuilding industry, with Seoul pledging $150 billion under the "Make America Shipbuilding Great Again" initiative to modernize naval capacity, expand commercial shipyards, and strengthen allied supply chains.

Join us for a timely conversation with Colin Grabow (Cato Institute) as we explore how to steer this new bilateral framework toward mutual maritime and economic prosperity. At the heart of the discussion is the Jones Act, the 1920 law mandating domestically built and owned vessels for U.S. coastal trade. Together, we will consider whether reforms to the Act—or innovative partnership models—can unlock the full potential of U.S.–Korea maritime collaboration. This conversation will be moderated by Thomas Byrne, President and CEO of The Korea Society.

For more information, please visit the link below:
https://www.koreasociety.org/corporate/2057-revisiting-the-jones-act-from-protectionism-to-partnership


Tune in to The Korea Society for a series of conversations that go beyond the headlines, exploring the dynamic relationship between the United States and Korea. This podcast, presented by the nonprofit organization of the same name, serves as an auditory forum where experts, policymakers, artists, and thinkers from both nations share their insights. You’ll hear discussions that span current events, historical context, cultural exchanges, and policy challenges, all aimed at fostering a deeper mutual understanding. Each episode feels like attending a thoughtful lecture or an intimate roundtable, providing nuance to complex topics that often get simplified in daily news cycles. The natural flow of dialogue in this podcast makes intricate subjects in politics, business, and the arts accessible and engaging. By focusing on genuine conversation rather than soundbites, these recordings build a bridge across the Pacific, offering listeners a reliable source for education and informed perspective. It’s an essential listen for anyone curious about the evolving ties, shared histories, and future collaborations between these two countries. The Korea Society organization ensures the content remains nonpartisan and dedicated to its mission, making each episode a trustworthy deep dive into the issues that shape this vital international partnership.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Korea Society
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