The United States has adjusted its proposed port fee structure targeting Chinese-built and Chinese-owned vessels, scaling back from its initial plan following industry feedback. Despite these revisions, China’s state-owned shipping giant, COSCO, has voiced strong objections, labeling the measures as discriminatory and a threat to global trade stability.
Revised Fee Structure
Initially, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) proposed port fees of up to $3.5 million per docking for Chinese-built ships. However, after receiving substantial pushback from global shipping stakeholders, the USTR announced a more moderated fee system set to commence on October 14, 2025. Under the revised plan:
- Chinese-built and owned ships will be charged $50 per net ton, with the rate increasing by $30 annually over the next three years. Alternatively, a fee of $120 per container discharged will apply, rising to $250 over the same period.
- Chinese-built ships owned by non-Chinese firms will face a fee of $18 per net ton, increasing by $5 annually.
- The fees will be applied once per voyage, with a maximum of six charges per year.
Exemptions have been made for vessels operating on specific routes, such as those between U.S. domestic ports, the Caribbean, U.S. territories, and the Great Lakes. Additionally, ships arriving empty for exports will also be exempted from these fees.
