The global trade landscape is facing disruption – and the United States’ infrastructure must adapt. The Trump administration’s proposed tariff hikes signal a renewed push to reshape global supply chains. While tariffs against China and other adversaries are often an appropriate approach, other steps must also be taken to make U.S. industry fit for competition in the 21st century.

The White House should overhaul U.S. maritime supply chains via automation. Robust maritime sector automation would not only make U.S. exports more competitive, but it would also help support U.S. logistics networks and shipbuilding, strengthening the U.S. in the competition with China. 

Automation Benefits at U.S. Ports 

U.S. port and maritime supply chains are the backbone of the domestic economy and global trade. Recent disruptions, however, ranging from the global pandemic to labor strikes, have laid bare vulnerabilities of the current supply chain system. Reliance on outdated, labor-intensive logistics systems leaves essential industries less resilient in the face of major disruptions.

During COVID-19, for instance, surging imports overwhelmed Long Beach and Los Angeles ports, causing historic bottlenecks due to skyrocketing demand for imported goods. Ships waited weeks offshore, quadrupling container rates. Worker shortages worsened delays, driving inflation and exposing the need for automated logistics.

U.S. supply chains need innovation through automation. AI and machine learning can enhance resilience by adapting to demand shifts, rerouting cargo, and recovering quickly from disruptions. 

AI and machine learning enable real-time supply chain monitoring by collecting and analyzing data from suppliers, devices, and shipping hubs. The Port of Rotterdam’s AI-powered digital twin, for instance, uses Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to continuously monitor shipping data, weather conditions, and cargo movements to optimize port operations and reduce congestion.

Advances in automating trucking could greatly boost U.S. port productivity amid worsening driver shortages, which are already a persistent problem. Ports often underestimate automation’s impact on truck turn times, and remote-controlled cranes can improve safety. Autonomous vehicle technologies are only advancing. With Washington prioritizing autonomous trucks, the United States could collaborate with allies like Japan, which is

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