Legal Definitions - coastwise trade

Definition: Coastwise trade, also known as coasting trade, refers to commerce between different coastal ports or navigable rivers within the United States. This is in contrast to international commerce between nations.

Example: A cargo ship transporting goods from New York to Miami is engaged in coastwise trade. Similarly, a barge carrying oil from Houston to New Orleans is also involved in coastwise trade.

These examples illustrate how coastwise trade involves the transportation of goods between different ports or rivers within the same country. It is an important aspect of domestic commerce and contributes to the economic growth of the United States.