A new report has raised concerns that the decline of U.S. shipbuilding is not only a security issue but also a growing threat to the country’s trade competitiveness, reports gCaptain. The imbalance, the report argues, is the result of decades of policy decisions that removed support for domestic shipbuilding while allowing foreign competitors—especially China—to dominate the industry. The report warns that reliance on foreign-built ships leaves American carriers at a disadvantage, erodes domestic supply chains for steel and fabrication, and weakens the supporting workforce. For the maritime sector, the report suggests that a revitalized U.S. shipbuilding industry could generate significant opportunities. For industry stakeholders, the message is clear: shipbuilding revival is not only about national defense but also about securing the future of U.S. maritime trade.