MarEx Mailbag

Mr. James Boak comments on last Tuesday's featured op-ed article about the CBP’s Jones Act interpretations by Robert Vosbein. Click HERE to read the article.

Dear Editor,

Another factor about the importance of enforcing the intent of the Jones Act is our balance of trade deficit. Because 75% of the cost of waterborne international trade transport goes towards the paying for the ship, the United States exports in excess of $150 billion each year in shipping tariffs to pay for the 100% of our international trade that takes place on foreign built ships. If the United States had a balance of trade surplus, then America could afford to pay foreign companies to transport our domestic commerce. But, since the United States has a large balance of trade deficit with the world, America CANNOT afford to pay foreigners to handle any part of our domestic trade. Our economic homeland security depends upon the Jones Act being fully enforced in all areas all the time.

America's potential to survive and thrive in the 21st Century economic order depends upon the Washington becoming responsible again by balancing its budget ASAP as well as implementing long term economic policies that promote an even or surplus balance of trade. Pay now or pay later, and it ALWAYS costs more to pay later.

James K. Boak, IV
Baltimore, Maryland
 

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