As reported by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), global shipping firms are still placing substantial orders with Chinese shipyards, even in light of new port fees imposed by the United States on vessels associated with China.
The CSIS analysis, which utilizes data from S&P Global, reveals that during the first eight months of 2025, Chinese shipyards represented 53% of all global ship orders by tonnage. This figure mirrors the total for all of 2023 prior to the initiation of a maritime investigation by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) that resulted in these port fees.
This trend indicates that American policies have not yet caused a significant diversion of shipbuilding contracts away from China. Brian Hart, a researcher at CSIS involved in this study, noted that “shipping companies are largely continuing their operations as usual.”
China’s influence in shipbuilding has been on an upward trajectory; its share surged to 73% in 2024 regarding global orders by tonnage—suggesting that many shipowners aimed to secure contracts before any restrictions took effect.
Beginning October 14, vessels constructed in China or owned and operated by Chinese entities will incur a port fee upon their initial arrival at any U.S. port. For large container ships carrying over 10,000 units, this fee could surpass $1 million and is projected to rise annually until 2028 based on analyst forecasts.
This fee structure is part of broader efforts within the U.S. to bolster domestic shipbuilding capabilities while countering China’s growing maritime presence; however, there remains a significant disparity between American and Chinese production capacities.
In stark contrast to China’s output—where over 1,000 vessels were delivered last year across commercial and military sectors—U.S. yards managed fewer than ten commercial ships during the same period.
The fiscal year 2025 plan from the U.S. Navy highlighted concerns about commercial shipbuilding’s near-total decline and called for long-term strategies aimed at revitalizing this sector to meet naval requirements.
Despite impending fees looming overhead, major shipping lines continue their partnerships with Chinese manufacturers; MSC—the largest container operator globally—recently ordered twelve new vessels from Chinese facilities following April’s announcement regarding port fees.
Additionally, other prominent shipping companies like Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk have adjusted their routes involving China-linked ships as a strategy to mitigate or evade these costs altogether.
An analysis from HSBC suggests COSCO Shipping may face up to $1.5 billion in port fees come 2026—the highest anticipated among its competitors within this industry landscape.
Pursuing initiatives aimed at enhancing domestic capabilities against China’s maritime dominance has been an ongoing focus for former President Donald Trump who sought collaborations with leading global players such as South Korea within this sector.
