The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) is welcoming the introduction of the Port Cranes Tax Credit Act of 2025 (H.R. 4589), calling it a practical step toward reshoring port crane manufacturing to the United States without burdening port users with costly tariffs.
Read also: Statement from American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) on Potential New Tariffs
The bill, introduced by Representatives Mike Ezell (R-MS) and Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), with original cosponsors Representatives Randy Weber (R-TX) and Jen Kiggans (R-VA), proposes tax incentives to encourage domestic crane production. It includes a 25% investment tax credit for U.S. facilities that manufacture or repair ship-to-shore (STS) and mobile harbor cranes, plus a production credit of 40%, rising to 60% if at least 90% of components are U.S.-made.
AAPA President and CEO Cary S. Davis emphasized that the legislation offers a better path than tariffs. “Without safe, reliable, and affordable cranes, America’s ports cannot move the goods that drive our economy. Instead of punishing port development with taxes, this bill incentivizes reshoring key equipment to strengthen supply chains,” Davis said.
Supporters highlight the economic and national security benefits of reducing dependence on foreign-built cranes. “Ports are vital to our economy and national security,” Ezell said. “This legislation puts American workers and safety first, reduces reliance on adversarial nations, and supports U.S. manufacturing and innovation.”
Port leaders across the country echoed their support. Richard J. Hendrick Sr., CEO of the Port of Albany, noted the equipment’s importance to port operations that generate over $813 million annually for New York State. Paul Anderson, CEO of Port Tampa Bay, called the bill “critical for strengthening supply chain resiliency.” Bo Ethridge, Port Director at Pascagoula, said it will help close infrastructure gaps and enable ports to diversify and expand services.
AAPA is urging swift action in Congress, calling for the House Ways and Means Committee to move the bill forward and for the Senate to introduce companion legislation. The association stressed that passing the act will strengthen the competitiveness, security, and operational capacity of America’s ports for years to come.
