The Chinese Ministry of Transport announced in a statement that, starting from October 14th, special port fees will be charged on vessels owned or operated by US businesses, organizations, and individuals.
This decision was made in response to the US’s decision to impose additional port fees on Chinese vessels under its Section 301 Investigation (sanctions imposed to prevent unfair foreign trade practices that harm US trade). The US measure is expected to take effect next Tuesday.
According to the Ministry, the vessels subject to the special port fee are not limited only to those directly owned by the US.
The following elements are also included:
– Vessels owned or operated by companies in which US businesses, organizations, or individuals hold, directly or indirectly, at least a 25 percent stake,
– All vessels flying the US flag,
– Vessels built in the US.
Chinese officials stated that the special port fees will be implemented in phases. Accordingly; starting from October 14, 2025, a fee of 400 yuan (approximately 56.3 dollars) per net ton will be charged from US vessels docking at Chinese ports. This fee will be increased annually on April 17th for the next three years.
The Ministry of Transport described this step as “a just and necessary measure to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese maritime businesses.”
The Ministry emphasized that the steps taken by the US seriously violate international trade principles and the China-US maritime transport agreement, causing major disruptions in maritime trade between the two countries.
The statement expressed that the US should immediately end this “unfair and coercive” practice. China called on the Washington administration to “correct its wrong stance” and cease its pressure on the Chinese maritime sector.
