Don't Worry About the Vase Podcast Keeping Up Against the Joneses: Balsa’s 2025 Fundraiser
Dec 23, 2025
Explore the intriguing journey of BALSA Research as they navigate funding challenges and policy reforms. Discover how unexpected government measures disrupted their plans and prompted strategic outreach. Learn about their ambitious fundraising goals of $200K and the critical role of economic studies on the Jones Act. Dive into their unique analyses, stakeholder conversations, and future hiring ambitions, all while envisioning the impact of additional funding on their research efforts and advocacy.
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Stopping A Harmful Section 301 Proposal
- BALSA intervened in a USTR Section 301 proposal that would have imposed fees on Chinese-built ships and new Jones Act export tiers.
- Their public comment and outreach helped get the first proposal largely axed.
Tariff Nuance And Temporary Suspension
- BALSA pointed out that proposed port-crane tariffs would perversely push ports toward Chinese suppliers and harm allied manufacturers.
- A presidential trade deal then suspended the punitive measures for one year.
Use RFAs To Build Credible Evidence
- Use targeted research funding (RFAs) to fill empirical gaps on economic and labor impacts of the Jones Act.
- Publish funded studies and integrate findings into accessible policy materials for policymakers and the public.