The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has unveiled a revised proposal to impose fees on Chinese vessel operators and ships built in China. This move follows a long-running investigation into China’s dominance in global shipbuilding and maritime logistics, with Chinese market share in newbuilds now exceeding 50%.
Key details include:
Starting in October 2025, Chinese vessel operators could face an annual fee starting at $50 per net ton—rising to $140 by April 2028. Net tonnage refers to a ship’s overall cargo capacity, regardless of vessel type.
Chinese-built vessels calling at U.S. ports may be subject to a fee of $18–33 per net ton or $120–250 per container, whichever is higher.
Exemptions apply to ships under 4,000 TEU and voyages under 2,000 nautical miles. Certain waivers may also be available for U.S.-built replacement vessels.
The proposal could particularly impact large Chinese operators such as Cosco and OOCL, both members of the Ocean Alliance. Industry observers anticipate potential realignments in global shipping alliances as partners look to reduce exposure to the new fees.
Why it matters
The new fee structure could reshape how carriers deploy vessels globally—not only affecting China–U.S. trade lanes but also services using Chinese-built ships across Europe, Latin America, and Asia.
A public comment period opened April 17, 2025. The outcome will be closely watched by shippers and carrier alliances.
LEMAN is monitoring the situation closely. If you’re unsure how this might impact your supply chain, our Ocean Freight teams are here to help.