Vessels belonging to US companies or individuals, those constructed in the United States, or flying the US flag will face increased port fees per trip beginning on October 14, as announced by China’s transport ministry. These fees are in response to anticipated port fees from the US, the ministry stated on Friday. Similarly, starting on October 14, ships built in China, or operated or owned by Chinese entities, will be required to pay a fee upon their first port visit in the United States. Analysts estimate that fees for a ship carrying more than 10,000 containers could exceed $1 million and are expected to escalate yearly until 2028.
Chinese vessels owned or operated by Chinese entities will be subject to a fixed fee of $80 per net tonnage per voyage to the US. The US fees imposed on Chinese-related vessels, following an investigation by the US Trade Representative (USTR), are part of a broader US initiative to boost domestic shipbuilding and counter China’s maritime and commercial shipping dominance.
In recent decades, China has emerged as the world’s top shipbuilder, with its major shipyards engaged in both commercial and military ventures. The impact of Chinese fees on US vessels may be less severe compared to the impending US fees on numerous Chinese ships. Last year, Chinese shipyards produced over 1,000 commercial vessels, while the US only constructed fewer than 10, according to military and industry experts.
For US vessels docking at Chinese ports starting October 14, the fee will amount to 400 yuan ($56.13) per net tonne, as detailed by the Chinese transport ministry. This fee will increase to 640 yuan ($89.81) from April 17, 2026, and further to 880 yuan from April 17, 2027. By April 17, 2028, vessels calling at Chinese ports will be charged 1,120 yuan ($157.16) per net tonne.
Tensions between China and the US have intensified since September, with both nations struggling to progress beyond their existing trade tariff truce – a 90-day halt starting on August 11, set to conclude around November 9. US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are anticipated to convene during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea at the end of October.