FIRST ON FOX: The U.S. Labor Department is planning to partner up with allies like South Korea and Japan to train U.S. workers to become shipbuilders under President Donald Trump’s push to revitalize the industry.

While China is massively outpacing the U.S. when it comes to shipbuilding, the Labor Department will announce an $8 million funding availability Thursday for an international fellowship program that will pair up U.S. institutions with foreign counterparts to remedy this disparity.The four-year proposed project will team up U.S. training centers, registered apprenticeship programs and education institutions like community colleges with foreign training centers, and shipyards in Canada, Finland, italy, Japan, South Korea and other countries to provide U.S. workers with advanced shipbuilding skills, according to the Labor Department.

TRUMP DEPARTMENT OF LABOR TO ABSORB SOME EDUCATION DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

US Shipbuilding Faces Crisis: Trump Aims for Revival

The U.S. is significantly behind its competitors, including China, South Korea, and Japan, in shipbuilding capacity. This disparity poses a threat to national security and economic stability.

China currently dominates global shipbuilding, accounting for over 50% of the market. South Korea follows with nearly 29%, and Japan with 13%. The U.S. share is a mere 0.1%, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

“The erosion of U.S. and allied shipbuilding capabilities poses an urgent threat to military readiness, reduces economic opportunities, and contributes to China’s global power-projection ambitions,” a March report from the Center for Strategic and international Studies stated.

Former President Donald Trump has recognized the critical state of the industry and pledged to revitalize it. In March, he told lawmakers he would “resurrect” both commercial and military shipbuilding.

trump’s Plan and Recent Actions

Trump’s approach focuses on bolstering domestic production and reducing reliance on foreign shipyards. He has emphasized the importance of investing in American workers and strengthening the industrial base.

Recent actions include calls for increased funding for shipbuilding programs and advocating for policies that incentivize companies to build ships in the U.S. He has also highlighted the need to streamline regulations and reduce bureaucratic hurdles that hinder domestic shipbuilding.

The Importance of Shipbuilding

A robust shipbuilding industry is vital for several reasons:

• National Security: A strong domestic shipbuilding base ensures the U.S. Navy and Coast guard have access to modern, reliable vessels.
• Economic Growth: Shipbuilding creates high-paying jobs and supports a complex supply chain.
• Global Competitiveness: Maintaining a competitive shipbuilding industry allows the U.S.to project power and influence on the world stage.

Challenges Facing the Industry

Several factors contribute to the decline of U.S. shipbuilding:

• High Costs: U.S. shipbuilding costs are significantly higher than those in countries like China and South Korea.
• Aging Workforce: The industry faces a shortage of skilled workers as the existing workforce ages.
• Limited Investment: Insufficient investment in research and development hinders innovation.
• Regulatory Burden: Complex regulations and bureaucratic processes add to costs and delays.

Key Takeaways

• The U.S. shipbuilding industry is in a critical state, lagging far behind global competitors.
• China dominates the global market, posing a meaningful challenge to U.S. economic and national security interests.
• Donald Trump has pledged to revitalize the industry through increased investment,streamlined regulations,and a focus on domestic production.
• Addressing the challenges of high costs, workforce shortages, and limited investment is crucial for the industry’s future.