USTR proposes extending port fee suspension on China-linked ships to January
The US Trade Representative proposed extending the suspension of port fees on Chinese-linked ships for an additional two months, delaying higher shipping costs for US metals and coal exporters, according to a Federal Register…
USTR had suspended a fee targeting China’s maritime, logistics and shipping sectors for one year, through Nov. 9, 2026, as part of a US-China trade deal. USTR is proposing to extend the suspension through Jan. 9, 2027. Platts first reported the likely extension on Oct. 20.
The proposed punt follows a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in September. The two leaders are expected to meet again in November.
The suspended port fees include a fee on vessels owned or operated by Chinese entities and a separate fee on Chinese-built vessels. The initial rates were $50/net ton per voyage for Chinese-owned or operated vessels and $18/nt or $120 per container discharged for Chinese-built vessels. Net tons are equivalent to short tons.
The revised fees are less stringent than USTR’s initial proposal, which would have charged up to $1.5 million per entrance of Chinese-built vessels.
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