We are in agreement with the Commission on Civil Rights, Citizen Participation and Social Economy of the Puerto Rico Senate, headed by Senator Rossana López León, that “The Jones Act of 1920 is an archaic and protectionist legislation premised on interests which have been perpetuated thanks to the economic benefits which it provides. It is legislation which is not appropriate for the XXI century, which restricts free commerce between nations, especially in our weakened economy, and one which is totally counter to the postulates of supply and demand.”
Why is this important?
Of all North American possessions and territories, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is the only jurisdiction where all the restrictions as to movement of cargo on American built, crewed and US citizen owned, as established in the Laws of Cabotage in the Jones Act, completely apply. This results in costs 2.7 times what we would pay for food and medicines, clothing, materials and other imported products were they transport on ships on the international market. If the Jones Act were repealed or Puerto Rico exempted, our expenses would be reduced by an estimated 40%. There is broad consensus in Puerto Rico for the elimination of the Cabotage Laws.
