The United States Imposes Fees on Chinese-Built Ships Calling at American Ports
The global shipping community has been eagerly awaiting a ruling from the United States regarding fees on Chinese-built ships calling at American ports. The final measure has now been announced, and it has significant implications for both Chinese and non-Chinese shipowners.
Fee Structure
Non-Chinese shipowners will be charged the higher of two calculated fees: a tonnage-based fee starting at $18 per net ton and gradually increasing to $33 per net ton, or a container-based fee starting at $120 per container and increasing to $250 per container by 2028. Additionally, non-US-built ships carrying cars will be charged $150 per vehicle.
LNG carriers will be required to move a percentage of US LNG exports on US-built, operated, and flagged vessels, with the percentage increasing over the years.
Exemptions and Suspensions
Exemptions apply to smaller vessels, ships on domestic voyages, and certain specialized vessel types. Temporary suspension of the fee may be granted if the vessel owner orders and takes delivery of a US-built ship of equal or greater net tonnage.
Impact on Chinese Shipowners
Chinese shipowners and operators will be hit with significantly higher fees, potentially costing millions of dollars per vessel. This is part of the Trump administration’s efforts to address threats to the US supply chain and reduce Chinese dominance in the maritime industry.
Reactions and Concerns
While US steel and shipbuilding unions have applauded the measures, many shippers and industry experts have voiced concerns about the potential consequences. The new fees could lead to rising freight rates, reduced export competitiveness, and shifts in trade routes.
Analysts warn that without parallel investments in US shipbuilding capacity and greater policy clarity, the risk of trade disruptions and inflationary pressures will persist.
Overall, the announcement of these fees represents a significant development in the ongoing trade tensions between the US and China, with far-reaching implications for the global shipping industry.