US Introduces Port Fee on Chinese-Made Ships

The United States is introducing a port fee on ships manufactured in China, which will begin to be collected in October and will gradually increase over the next three years. The relevant order was published on April 17 by the Office of the US Trade Representative.

According to US Trade Representative Jamison Greer, ships and shipping are vital to American economic security and the free flow of trade. The actions of President Donald Trump’s administration aim to reverse China’s dominance, eliminate threats to the American supply chain, and signal demand for ships built in the US.

The order emphasizes that the new fee is being implemented under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which grants the US president the authority to take necessary measures against what the US considers existing restrictions on national trade imposed by other countries.

According to the document, the fee will be zero for the first 180 days, and thereafter it will be charged based on the net tonnage of the vessel, but no more than five times a year for each ship. Notably, the fees for ships owned by Chinese companies will be significantly higher than those for carriers from other countries.

In the first phase, starting October 14, the US will charge $50 per net registered ton (2,83 cubic meters) for ships built in China and owned by Chinese companies. This amount will increase by $30 each year on April 17, reaching $140 by 2028.

For vessels manufactured in China but owned by companies from other countries, the fee will be based on either the net registered ton or per container, depending on which amount is higher. The initial fee will be $18 per net registered ton, increasing by $5 each year, reaching $33 by April 2028. The container fee will start at $120 per unit, gradually rising to $250 by 2028.