THE U.S. SHIPBUILDING POLICY UNDER THE TRUMP 2.0 ADMINISTRATION AND STRATEGIC COMPETITION

Abstract

This paper examines the strategic revival of the shipbuilding industry under the Trump 2.0 administration under Realism, centered on the Executive Order “Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance.” This policy shift is driven by the urgent need to rectify domestic structural fragilities, including a decaying industrial base, chronic labor shortages, and an over-reliance on foreign supply chains. Simultaneously, China’s overwhelming maritime expansion, fueled by “military-civil fusion” and leadership in digital shipyard technologies, has intensified the U.S. perception of strategic vulnerability. The analysis suggests that these measures will fundamentally reshape the global maritime landscape, accelerating the U.S.-China naval rivalry in the Indo-Pacific and disrupting long-standing global supply chains. Within this context, Vietnam occupies a pivotal position, offering significant potential to integrate deeper into restructured value chains through investment shifts and infrastructure upgrades. However, the study cautions that without timely modernization of supporting industries and a high-quality workforce, Vietnam risks being marginalized or facing heightened geopolitical pressures. Ultimately, the paper underscores the necessity of strategic foresight for secondary powers navigating the intensifying maritime competition between global hegemons.

This paper examines the U.S. revival of its shipbuilding industry during the Trump 2.0 administration under Realism, centered on the Executive Order “Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance” and associated executive and congressional measures. This policy shift is driven by the urgent need to rectify domestic structural fragilities, including a decaying industrial base, chronic labor shortages, and an over-reliance on foreign supply chains. Simultaneously, China’s overwhelming maritime expansion, fueled by “military-civil fusion” and leadership in digital shipyard technologies, has intensified the U.S. perception of strategic vulnerability and need for competition. The analysis suggests that these measures will fundamentally reshape the global maritime landscape, accelerating the U.S.-China naval rivalry in the Indo-Pacific and disrupting long-standing global supply chains. Within this context, Vietnam occupies a pivotal position, offering significant potential to integrate deeper into restructured value chains through investment shifts and infrastructure upgrades. However, the study cautions that without timely modernization of supporting industries and a high-quality workforce, Vietnam risks being marginalized or facing heightened geopolitical pressures. Ultimately, the paper underscores the necessity of strategic foresight for smaller countries navigating the intensifying maritime competition between global hegemons.

Keywords: Shipbuilding, U.S. Foreign Policy, Trump 2.0, U.S.-China Competition, Global Supply Chains, Vietnam Maritime Strategy.