USTR Proposes Port Fees on Chinese-Built Vessels and Operators

stock image of container shipMarch 20, 2025 | The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is proposing new trade measures aimed at addressing what it describes as unfair policies by China in the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding industries. USTR is asking for public comments on these proposed actions, which are part of a Section 301 investigation. (Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 allows the USTR to investigate and respond to foreign trade practices deemed unfair.)

According to the USTR, China is using policies and practices that give it an unfair advantage in the global maritime industry, hurting U.S. businesses and restricting competition. In response, USTR has proposed new fees and rules to reduce U.S. dependence on Chinese shipping and encourage the use of U.S. vessels to move goods. Note: The proposed action is not final and additional information is available in the Federal Register Notice linked here.

A group of trade associations, including the Toy Shippers Association (TOYSA), have joined a coalition urging the USTR to refrain from imposing its proposed actions. USTR is holding a public hearing on March 24 at the International Trade Commission and is inviting comment on the proposal, also by March 24.

The proposal from USTR includes a number of new fees on shipping services related to Chinese companies and Chinese-built vessels, including:

  • Fees for Chinese Vessel Operators
    • Chinese shipping companies could be charged:
    • Up to $1 million per port visit, or
    • Up to $1,000 per net ton of vessel capacity per U.S. port visit
  • Fees for Chinese-Built Ships:
    • Any ship built in China (regardless of operator) may be charged:
    • Up to $1.5 million per U.S. port visit,
    • Additional fees if more than 25% of the operator’s fleet is Chinese-built, or
    • An extra $1 million per visit if that fleet threshold is met
  • Fees Based on Future Shipbuilding Orders:
    • Operators who plan to order vessels from Chinese shipyards in the next two years could face:
    • Sliding-scale fees per visit based on the percentage of new orders from China, or
    • A fee of up to $1 million per port visit if 25% or more of future vessels are ordered from Chinese yards

These fees could apply even if the shipping company isn’t Chinese-owned, as long as the ships were built in China or ordered from Chinese shipyards.

For more information or to submit a comment, visit ustr.gov.