Port Fees for Chinese-Built Ships and Shipping to be Delayed by USTR

With just two weeks left until the one-year suspension of U.S.-imposed fees on Chinese-built ships and ships operated by Chinese companies is due to end, the U.S. Trade Representative has filed to extend the deadline. While little has changed in the situation over the past year, the USTR writes that a two-month extension would provide further time for trade negotiations with China.

The U.S. imposed the fees in October 2025 on all Chinese-built ships calling in U.S. ports as well as additional fees for all Chinese operators. It was presented as a remedial action to compensate for China’s unfair trade policies subsidizing and promoting its shipbuilding industry. There were fees for containers landed at U.S. ports as well as for cars being transported on car carriers, but it also impacted a broad range of companies with Chinese investors. Other portions included Chinese-built container cranes and equipment of ports and chassis and other parts and equipment.

China had angrily responded, saying the U.S. was trying to blame it for its systemic failures over many years of failing to support the U.S. shipbuilding industry. Chinese officials called the policy protectionist and responded by imposing reciprocal fees designed to punish the U.S. shipping companies.

This story was originally published by The Maritime Executive. Read the full story at The Maritime Executive →