Recent discussions on tariffs have largely overlooked the potential implementation of the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR)’s port fees on Chinese-built vessels. This fee, which could reach up to
Recent discussions on tariffs have largely overlooked the potential implementation of the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR)’s port fees on Chinese-built vessels. This fee, which could reach up to $3.5 million per port call, varies based on the vessel’s origin and the owner’s fleet composition. Given that typical US port calls cost a maximum of $80,000, this fee could significantly impact import and export volumes.
According to VesselsValue trade data, there were 3,150 dry bulk port calls in the US in Q1 2025, involving 1,609 dry bulk carriers. Among these, Chinese-built vessels accounted for the largest share at 45%, followed by Japanese-built vessels at 41%, South Korean vessels at 6%, and US vessels at 1%. Imposing substantial port fees on the Chinese fleet would reduce Chinese vessels trading to and from the US—straining Japanese and South Korean-built vessels as the US fleet cannot compensate for the shortfall. The combined effect of extra port fees on Chinese vessels and less tonnage willing to call US, would likely increase freight costs.
However, Reuters reported on April 9 that the Trump administration is reconsidering the proposed fees due to widespread negative feedback from various industries. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer
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