Trump Admin to Impose Fees on Chinese Ships Docking in US Ports
Following a USTR investigation, the Trump administration announced fees on Chinese-built vessels entering U.S. ports, citing unfair competitive advantages held by China’s shipbuilding industry. Initially proposed as a per-port fee potentially reaching $1.5 million, the final structure involves per-ton fees escalating over several years, starting at $0 and reaching $140 per net ton for Chinese-owned vessels by 2028. Lower fees apply to non-Chinese-owned vessels carrying Chinese-built ships, and the fees are remittable if operators order U.S.-built vessels. Exemptions exist for certain cargo types and regions.
John Q. Hosedrinker