The United States has announced new port fees targeting ships built and operated by Chinese entities as part of an effort to revitalize the domestic shipbuilding industry and reduce China’s influence in this crucial sector.
This initiative arises from an investigation initiated during the previous administration and comes during a significant trade conflict between the United States and China, exacerbated by tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump. As a consequence, this move may further escalate existing tensions between the two nations.
“Ships and shipping are vital to American economic security and the free flow of commerce,” stated US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer during the announcement of these new fees, the majority of which are set to take effect in mid-October.
According to the new regulations, per tonnage fees will be enforced on each Chinese-linked ship during its voyages to the US—rather than at each port, as some industry stakeholders had feared—up to a limit of five times per year.
Additionally, non-US built car carrier vessels will incur these fees starting 180 days from the announcement. The new policy also introduces fees for liquified natural gas (LNG) carriers, though implementation for these will be delayed for three years.
A fact sheet released alongside the announcement clarified that these fees would not apply to “Great Lakes or Caribbean shipping, shipping to and from US territories, or bulk commodity exports on ships that arrive in the United States empty.”
“The Trump administration’s actions will begin to reverse Chinese dominance, address threats to the US supply chain, and send a demand signal for US-built ships,” emphasized Mr. Greer, highlighting the strategic importance of this initiative.
In summary, while these new fees present a bold step towards bolstering the domestic shipbuilding industry, they also illustrate the complex and evolving dynamics of international trade.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
