The United States can now apply the port tariffs announced by the Office of the Trade Representative (USTR) as part of the investigation into the Chinese shipbuilding industry. These measures affect ships with participation, ownership, or construction linked to China, and represent a new episode in the trade escalation between the two countries. Chinese operators will have to pay 50 dollars per net ton of ship, an amount that will gradually increase to 140 in April 2028, regardless of the country of construction.
Among the exemptions are ships operating in short-distance traffic (less than 2,000 nautical miles), container ships of up to 4,000 TEUs, and ships of up to 55,000 dwt or with an individual bulk capacity of 80,000 dwt or less. These tariffs are expected to be reviewed semi-annually, based on the results of the investigation into the Chinese shipbuilding industry and negotiations with European and Asian allies.
In response, the Chinese Ministry of Transport announced the same day the start of equivalent port tariffs applicable to American ships: ships owned or operated by American companies; those with American participation equal to or greater than 25%; ships under American flag and ships built in the USA. At the last minute, Beijing exempted from payment ships built in China, even if they are owned or operated by American companies or fly the US flag. Ships in ballast entering Chinese shipyards for repair are also exempt.
