The shipping industry is preparing for a significant shake-up. Beginning October 14, 2025, the United States will introduce a new system of port fees aimed at vessels built, owned or operated by Chinese entities.
The move is intended to address perceived unfair advantages in China’s shipbuilding sector and strengthen the US maritime industry, but it also has the potential to significantly alter global shipping patterns.
The Fee Structure in Detail
The U.S. government has outlined a tiered approach to the new charges:
- Chinese-Owned or Operated Vessels: A base fee of US$50 per net ton will be introduced, gradually increasing to US$140 per net ton by 2028. This fee applies once per vessel rotation, meaning a string of port calls within the same journey is only charged once.
- Chinese-Built Vessels (Regardless of Ownership): Ships built in Chinese shipyards but operated by non-Chinese companies will still face charges. These will start at US$18 per net ton or US$120 per container and rise to as much as US$33 per net ton or US$250 per container by 2028.
- Exemptions: Some categories of vessels, such as those operating in short-haul trades, smaller ships, or those transporting commodities like coal or grain exclusively, may be exempt.
Non-compliance comes with severe consequences. Vessels that fail to pay may be barred from cargo operations or even prevented from departing US ports.
Why the U.S. Is Taking This Step
The initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce reliance on Chinese-built ships, counter state subsidies that support China’s dominance in global shipbuilding and encourage investment in American shipyards. Washington hopes the policy will create a more level playing field for U.S. operators and help revitalize the domestic maritime sector, which has long struggled against cheaper foreign competition.
Impact on the Shipping Industry
While the policy’s goals may be domestic, its effects will ripple globally:
- Higher Shipping Costs: Shipping lines are expected to pass these additional fees down the chain to importers and exporters, ultimately raising consumer prices. For industries heavily reliant on ocean transport, this could mean substantial increases in costs.
- Route and Vessel Adjustments: Carriers may begin to divert vessels away from US ports to avoid the charges, reshaping trade routes and possibly reducing port traffic in some areas. Smaller U.S. ports could lose business as lines seek more cost-efficient alternatives.
- Supply Chain Disruption: Importers and exporters may need to re-evaluate logistics strategies, warehouse networks, and sourcing decisions to adapt to the changing cost structures.
- Inflationary Pressures: As higher transportation costs are passed on to product pricing, inflation may rise across multiple sectors.
- Geopolitical Uncertainty: The measure is almost certain to escalate tensions between the U.S. and China, raising the possibility of retaliatory trade actions, legal disputes, and prolonged uncertainty for the maritime industry.
A New Era in US Maritime Policy
This fee system represents a significant shift in U.S. trade strategy. While intended to strengthen the American maritime sector, it could also challenge the efficiency of global shipping and alter long-standing supply chain patterns.
Bottom Line: For businesses, these changes mean preparing now for higher costs, shifting trade routes, and increased geopolitical risks. The U.S. is clearly signaling a commitment to reshaping the balance of power in global shipping — and companies involved in international trade must be ready to navigate the turbulence ahead.
For more information, contact Monserrat Vazquez, Manager – Freight Solutions.
