Collapse of U.S. shipbuilding poses national and economic security risks | 60 Minutes

Article excerpt

China launches more than 1,000 cargo ships annually while the U.S. produces roughly three, a disparity the Trump administration characterizes as a national and economic security crisis. The collapse of American shipbuilding capacity threatens both the country's ability to transport goods and its military readiness. The gap reflects decades of underinvestment and competition from cheaper overseas labor. Rebuilding domestic shipyards would require massive capital expenditure and face structural challenges in a globalized supply chain. The issue sits at the intersection of industrial policy, defense strategy, and economic competitiveness.