The United States has launched a new set of port fees aimed at Chinese vessels. These charges are part of a plan to rebuild America’s shipbuilding sector and cut China’s influence in global shipping. The move is also expected to change trade routes and raise prices for American consumers.
New Fees Take Effect in October
Starting in mid-October 2025, Chinese ships entering US ports will face new charges. Operators of Chinese-flagged ships will pay $50 per ton of cargo. That fee will rise by $30 each year for three years. This means the fee could reach $140 per ton by 2028.
Ships built in China will also face separate charges. These include $18 per ton or $120 per container. This fee will also go up each year. Car carriers not made in the US must pay $150 for each vehicle on board.
Each ship will only be charged once per journey. No vessel will be charged more than five times a year. The total amount depends on cargo weight, container count, or vehicle number.
Why These Fees Were Introduced
The US Trade Representative (USTR) says the fees are needed to level the playing field. The USTR claims China used unfair methods to dominate shipbuilding. These tactics have hurt US workers and shipyards for years.
Officials say the goal is to bring fairness back to trade and grow American industry. The fees aim to support US shipbuilders, many of whom have struggled to compete with low-cost Chinese firms.
A Softer Final Plan
The final version of the fee plan is less harsh than first proposed. Early drafts suggested fees of up to $1.5 million per ship visit. That plan faced backlash from the shipping industry. In response, the US changed course and added key exemptions.
Ships that arrive empty to load US exports, such as grain or coal, will not be charged. Vessels that sail between US ports or go to US territories or nearby islands are also exempt. Canadian and US ships using Great Lakes ports are free from fees as well.
The US also dropped a plan to charge fees based on how many Chinese ships a company owns or plans to buy. Officials said this change makes the plan more fair and easier to manage.
LNG Carriers Targeted in Next Phase
A second stage of the policy will begin in three years. This phase targets Chinese-built ships that carry liquefied natural gas (LNG). These ships play a key role in global energy trade.
The restrictions will be slow to start but will grow stronger over the next 22 years. US officials believe this timeline gives American shipbuilders time to catch up and compete.
Trade Disruption Raises Concerns
China’s foreign ministry warned the new fees would lead to higher prices in the US. They say the plan will not help US shipbuilders as expected. Trade experts also warn of trouble for global shipping routes.
Many Chinese shipments meant for the US are now being sent to Europe instead. This has caused backups at major European ports. Marco Forgione, from the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, says the UK and EU ports are seeing big delays.
Forgione said ships that once docked in the US are now going to the UK or EU. Imports from China rose 15% in the UK and 12% in the EU in early 2025. He linked the surge to the US tariffs and port fees under President Trump.
Trump’s Broader Trade Plan
Since returning to office in January, President Trump has added new trade rules. These include tariffs as high as 145% on Chinese imports. Combined with older tariffs, some goods now face rates up to 245%. Other nations also face a 10% tariff through July.
These moves are part of Trump’s push to rebuild US factories and reduce reliance on China. He says this is key to boosting jobs and protecting national security.
Shipping Firms Brace for Summer Chaos
Sanne Manders, head of logistics company Flexport, says the global shipping system is under stress. He points to delays at ports in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. He says Felixstowe in the UK is one of the worst hit.
Manders says more ships are being rerouted to Europe due to the US fees and tariffs. He expects summer weather to help reduce the backlog, as ports can stay open longer.
He also thinks many firms will rush to ship goods before the 90-day grace period ends. That could cause a temporary boost in shipments, followed by a slowdown later in the year.
Manders believes US shoppers will feel the most pain. Prices may rise as companies pass costs on to buyers. He says European consumers will not feel the same level of impact. Still, global supply chains will need to adjust.
The US move to charge Chinese ships is part of a broader plan to revive its shipbuilding industry. While the goal is to boost American jobs, experts warn of delays, price hikes, and trade route changes. With more changes on the way, the global shipping system may face even more pressure.