04.03.2025
The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has proposed fees on Chinese-built vessels entering U.S. ports. The plan includes fees up to $1.5 million per port call for Chinese-built ships and $1 million for operators of these vessels. Public comments are open until March 24, after which a decision will be made.
A $1.5 million fee applied to an average 10,000 TEU ship calling in the U.S. would add $150 per TEU or $300 per FEU. Jefferies cited the China-Los Angeles route as an example, where rates could rise from $3,000 to $3,300 per FEU.
China controls two-thirds of the global shipbuilding market, while the U.S. holds 1%. The previous administration had engaged with Korean and Japanese shipbuilders to revive American shipbuilding but the current administration has taken a tougher stance, imposing a 10% tariff on Chinese imports
