US shipbuilding decline since WWII (1945-present)
The US built thousands of ships during World War II, with peak production exceeding 100 ships per month. By the 21st century, US commercial shipbuilding had collapsed, and Navy shipbuilding slowed to a handful of vessels per year.
The US lost most of its commercial shipbuilding capacity to Asian competitors.
The Navy now faces a fleet shortfall against China's growing navy, with US yards struggling to keep pace.
This decline is why the Navy is turning to foreign investment and expertise to rebuild capacity.
