^{Source: Country Guide}

In a significant move to bolster domestic shipbuilding and address trade disparities, the Trump administration has announced a new fee structure targeting Chinese-built vessels docking at U.S. ports. This policy, set to commence on October 14, 2025, introduces fees based on vessel type and tonnage, with rates escalating annually over a three-year period.​

Fee Structure Details

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) outlined the following fee schedule:​

• Chinese-Owned and Operated Vessels:
  • Starting at $50 per net ton in October 2025.
  • Increasing to $80 per net ton by April 2026.
  • Capping at $140 per net ton by April 2028.​
• Foreign-Owned Vessels Built in China:
  • Starting at $18 per net ton in October 2025.
  • Increasing to $33 per net ton by April 2028.​
• Car Carrier Vessels:
  • An initial fee of $150 per Car Equivalent Unit (CEU) beginning in October 2025.​

These fees will be assessed up to five times per year per vessel. Notably, vessels operating between U.S. domestic routes, the Caribbean, U.S. territories, and Great Lakes ports are exempt from these charges. ​

Policy Objectives and Industry Response

The administration's initiative aims to reduce China's dominance in global shipbuilding, where it currently accounts for nearly 50% of all ships launched, and to rejuvenate the U.S. shipbuilding industry, which has dwindled to just 0.1% of global output. ​

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated, "Ships and shipping are vital to American economic security and the free flow of commerce. This action will begin to reverse Chinese dominance and address threats to the U.S. supply chain."​

However, the policy has faced criticism from global maritime stakeholders. Trade associations warn that the fees could increase consumer prices and disrupt international trade. In response to industry feedback, the USTR revised the initial proposal, which had suggested fees up to $1.5 million per port call, to the current tonnage-based system. ​

Incentives for U.S. Shipbuilding Orders

To encourage investment in domestic shipbuilding, the policy includes provisions for fee remission. Vessel owners who place orders for U.S.-built ships can have fees waived for up to three years, provided the new vessel matches or exceeds the net tonnage of the foreign-built ship. If the U.S.-built vessel is not delivered within this period, the deferred fees become due immediately. ​

Global Trade Implications

The new fees are part of a broader strategy to address trade imbalances and protect national economic interests. With China, South Korea, and Japan collectively producing over 95% of the world's commercial ships, the U.S. aims to reclaim its position in the maritime industry. ​

While the policy seeks to strengthen U.S. manufacturing and supply chains, its long-term impact on global trade dynamics remains to be seen. Stakeholders worldwide will be closely monitoring the effects of these measures on international shipping and commerce.

‍