USTR Implements Port Fee Proposal

On April 17, 2025, the Office of the US Trade Representative (“USTR”) published a notice of action (the “USTR Notice”) implementing its port fee proposal, first announced on February 21, 2025. The rules differ substantially from the February proposal (summarized here). The calculation of the fees has changed to a net tonnage-based fee (or for certain vessels, based on containers discharged or Car Equivalent Units). Several points have been clarified. Specialized rules apply to LNG transportation and vehicle carriers, including fees and restrictions on non-Chinese vessels. The port fees are slated to go into effect beginning October 14, 2025, with rates increasing after such time on a phased schedule.

Summary of port fees

The USTR Notice implements the port fee mechanism by means of four non-cumulative “Annexes.”

Annex I – Fee on Chinese vessel operators and vessel owners

• Beginning October 14, 2025, a fee will be imposed on the entry of a Chinese-owned or operated vessel into a US port at a rate of $50 per net ton. The rate will be increased beginning in April 2026, plateauing at $140 per net ton in April 2028.
• “Owners” and “operators” are defined by reference to US Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) Form 1300.