U.S. President Donald Trump announced that French shipping giant CMA CGM will invest $20 billion to expand logistics and port infrastructure in the United States. The move aligns with the administration’s goal to revive domestic shipbuilding and reduce China’s influence in the sector.
Trump’s team is drafting an executive order to impose levies on ships linked to China when docking at U.S. ports and is urging allies to adopt similar measures. The administration also plans to launch an incentive-driven shipbuilding program in the coming weeks.
CMA CGM CEO Rodolphe Saade, who met with Trump in the Oval Office, confirmed the investment, stating it will generate 10,000 U.S. jobs over four years. The expansion includes the development of container terminals and an air cargo hub in Chicago, supported by five new Boeing 777 freighters flown by American pilots.
The Marseille-based company, the world’s third-largest container shipping firm, plans to triple the number of its U.S.-flagged vessels from 10 to 30. It currently operates key port terminals in New York and Los Angeles and is Walmart’s largest cargo carrier.
Saade also hinted at future plans to support U.S. container shipbuilding, with an official announcement expected soon. Meanwhile, CMA CGM has voiced concerns over potential U.S. tariffs on China-built ships, warning of broader impacts on the global shipping industry.
As the U.S. pushes for maritime self-sufficiency, CMA CGM’s investment marks a significant step toward strengthening domestic logistics and reducing reliance on foreign-built vessels.