US Unveils Strategy to Impose Port Fees on Chinese Ships: What It Means for Trade

The U.S. has announced a new plan to charge fees on Chinese ships, aiming to boost its own shipbuilding industry and reduce China’s control over international shipping. Starting mid-October, Chinese shipowners will pay $50 for every ton of cargo. This fee will increase annually for the next three years, with plans to charge based on cargo weight and container counts. For instance, bulk vessels will be charged based on their cargo weight, while container ships will have fees determined by how many containers they carry.

Initially, the U.S. proposed much higher fees, but the current plan is less severe than expected. A spokesperson from the Chinese government warned that such fees would raise costs for American consumers without helping the U.S. shipbuilding sector.

In recent years, U.S. trade policies, particularly the tariffs from the Trump administration, have already disrupted global trade. Ships that used to reach American ports from China are now heading to European ports instead. According to reports, Chinese imports into the U.K. have jumped about 15% in early 2025 as a direct response to these tariffs, while imports to the EU rose by 12%.

Experts, including Marco Forgione from the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, have voiced concerns about the congestion caused by these trade restrictions. He noted that increased tariffs on imports from China could reach as high as 245%, leading to significant delays and congestion in European ports.

While some believe the new fees aim to protect U.S. interests, they could also worsen trade tensions. Sanne Manders, president of logistics firm Flexport, pointed out that alongside tariffs, strikes in major European ports are contributing to delivery delays. As cargo is rerouted to Europe, ports like Felixstowe in the U.K. and Rotterdam in the Netherlands are facing high congestion levels, raising the risk of further supply chain disruptions.

In summary, the U.S. is trying to rebalance trade dynamics with these new fees, but both businesses and consumers may ultimately feel the effects.



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