China will begin imposing port fees on US-owned, operated, built, or flagged vessels starting October 14, 2025, in direct response to similar US fees targeting China-linked ships. The new Chinese fee starts at 400 yuan ($56) per net ton and will rise annually, reaching 1,120 yuan ($157) by 2028. China’s Transport Ministry noted that the US plan seriously violates the relevant principles of international trade and the US and China Maritime Agreement. This escalation coincides with rising trade tensions, including US threats of increased tariffs and concerns over China’s potential export controls on rare earths. The move underscores deepening maritime and economic friction between the two countries. The US is the world’s 20th largest flag state when ranked by tonnage, according to Clarkson Research Services Ltd.
