China Ship Fees Announced

The US Trade Representative's office announced a schedule for the imposition of fees on Chinese-built vessels calling on US ports.   Markedly less punitive than initially proposed, the rules exempt US-based carriers, Canadian vessels at Great Lakes ports.

Thursday's announced Section 301 measures will be implemented in two phases 

Phase One (Begins October 14, 2025):

Service fees on Chinese vessels and operators: A phased fee starting at $50 per net ton, rising incrementally to $140 per net ton over three years, for vessels operated or owned by Chinese entities.

Fees on Chinese-built vessels: The higher of a per-net-ton or per-container fee (starting at $18/NT or $120/container), with increases through 2028. Exemptions are granted for U.S. programs and small-scale or specialty vessels.

Fees on foreign-built car carriers: A $150 per Car Equivalent Unit (CEU) fee on non-U.S.-built vehicle carriers, phased in starting October 14, 2025. Refunds are provided where carriers take delivery of a US-built vessel within three years.

Phase Two (Begins April 17, 2028):

Restrictions on LNG exports: Escalating requirements for the use of U.S.-built, U.S.-flagged vessels to transport liquified natural gas (LNG), gradually increasing over 22 years.

Additional Measures Proposed

USTR is soliciting public comments on:

New tariffs of up to 100% on ship-to-shore cranes, containers, chassis and other  handling equipment of Chinese origin or linked to Chinese entities.

The comment period opens April 17, 2025, with a public hearing scheduled for May 19, 2025. Written submissions must be received by May 19, and rebuttal comments are due seven days after the hearing concludes.

To view the Federal Register Notice, click here.

Comments in response to this notice can be submitted or accessed here.