April 23, 2025–U.S. Targets Chinese-Linked Shipping with New Tariffs and Port Fees
April 23, 2025—The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative proposed new tariffs of up to 100% last week on Chinese-linked cargo handling equipment and finalized a port fee regime aimed at penalizing Chinese-owned, operated, and built ships. The measures, part of a broader effort to revive the U.S. maritime industry, have drawn sharp criticism from the global shipping sector and from Beijing, which warned of retaliation. A public hearing is scheduled for May 19.
Key Details:
- Chinese-owned/operated vessels: A new docking fee starts at $0 for 180 days and escalates to $140/ton by 2028. It applies once per U.S. voyage, regardless of the number of ports visited.
- Chinese-built vessels operated by non-Chinese firms: Operators will pay the higher of two fees—tonnage-based (up to $33/ton by 2028) or container-based (up to $250/container by 2028). Some exemptions apply.
- Foreign-built vehicle carriers: Subject to a fee based on vehicle capacity, rising to $150/car after 180 days.
- Fee remissions: Operators can receive up to three years of fee remission if they order and receive U.S.-built vessels.
- LNG export requirement: Starting in 2028, 1% of U.S. LNG exports must ship on U.S.-built vessels, increasing to 15% by 2047.
Industry groups like the World Shipping Council warn the plan could raise costs for exporters and consumers and potentially face legal challenges.
White House Update
President Trump issued an executive order to cut fishing regulations across the board in order to encourage U.S. seafood exports last week.
Regulatory Update
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) updated its list of foreign-owned ocean common carriers last week. Carriers on the Controlled Carriers List are subject to increased regulatory oversight by the FMC.
Industry Insight
U.S. exporters must act now to mitigate risks and prepare for possible foreign tariff increases driven by global trade shifts.
Michael Ford from Tradebridge Consulting explains steps like tariff assessments, contingency planning, and staying updated on trade policies.
More Stories to Stay Informed:
- The U.S. plan to revoke tariff-free access for low-value shipments from China could reportedly reduce more than $22 billion in air cargo revenue over three years.
- The Department of Commerce approved new tariff rates yesterday for China-linked solar imports from Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia.
- The IMF downgraded its U.S. and foreign market growth forecasts yesterday in the face of the ongoing tariff war and market volatility.
In response to the Trump Administration’s recent tariff actions, AAEI’s Customs Committee launched a Tariff Working Group. The next meeting is on Tuesday, May 6th at 2:00 p.m. EDT.
If you are interested this working group or a Committee, please visit AAEI’s Member Hub to join. After logging in, click “My Info” and add the Working Group to “Lists/Committees.”
Stay informed of tariff changes using AAEI’s Presidential Actions Timeline.
