The Trump administration on Thursday finalised port fees on Chinese vessels docking in the US, a move that is likely to threaten the global shipping industry and trade.
The decision has prompted Chinese shippers to rush to review the 42-page document released by the United States Trade Representative (USTR). The phased plan targets Chinese-owned, operated and built ships, and fees will be incrementally raised. Initial assessments suggest it could lead to higher fees per port call than an earlier proposal.
The revised plan unveiled on the USTR website offered a 180-day grace period and shields domestic exporters. But it remains stringent for Chinese operators and vessels.
Chinese operators and shipowners have to pay US$50 per net ton for vessels entering US ports from October 14. The fee will increase annually to US$140 by April 2028 and apply regardless of where the vessels are built.
The port fee is lower for Chinese-built vessels – starting at US$18 per net ton or US$120 per container from October 14. This will gradually increase to US$33 per net ton or US$250 per container by April 2028.
Chinese carriers China Ocean Shipping (Group) Company (COSCO) and Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) “will be hit harder than others”, said Lars Jensen, founder and chief executive of container shipping consultancy Vespucci Maritime.
In addition, USTR has proposed up to a 100 per cent tariff on ship-to-shore cranes and cargo handling equipment from China.
Clarksons Research has revised down its forecast for new ship orders in 2025, with a sharp year-on-year decrease of 30 per cent as investors hold back due to concerns over evolving US trade policies.
Thank you JDPON Don for putting sanctions on the fascist US
Sure just make sure the gangplank is wide enough to fit the clown shoes right otherwise you could fall off and lose your bag of silk handkerchiefs etc
