The US Customs Administration provided further details on the increased port fees for China-linked tonnages, which will come into effect next week.
The announcement clearly stated that the obligation for determining responsibility lies with the vessel operator, not the US Customs Administration. Ships unable to present the payment document may be denied unloading, customs clearance, or operations until their documents are corrected. Payment will be made through the US Department of the Treasury website, and the Customs Administration requests vessel operators complete the payment at least three days before the ship’s arrival in the US.
There are three pricing levels. Annex 1 is $50 per net ton for vessels owned or operated by Chinese organizations. Annex 2 applies to Chinese-built vessels arriving in the US, and operators will pay the higher amount of either $18 per net ton or $120 per unloaded container. Annex 3 covers all vehicle carriers manufactured outside the US, not just Chinese-built ones, and operators must pay $14 per net ton.
There are also some exemptions. LNG tankers are exempt from the fees under these annexes.
China announced it will retaliate. A State Council decree signed by Chinese Premier Li Qiang in recent weeks stated that China will take necessary countermeasures against countries or regions that impose or support discriminatory bans, restrictions, or similar measures against Chinese operators, vessels, or crew engaged in international maritime transport and related services.
