New charges could add millions to shipping costs, impacting global trade
In a significant move against China, the United States is proposing substantial new port charges that could drive up costs for ocean carriers operating at U.S. ports.
According to a proposal published by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) in the Federal Register on Friday, ships built in China could face port fees as high as $1.5 million per call. Additionally, vessel operators with even a single Chinese-built ship in their fleet—or on order from a Chinese shipyard—could be subject to a $500,000 fee. China-based shipping companies, including Cosco, the world’s fourth-largest container line, could see charges of $1 million per port call.
This proposal is expected to send shockwaves through the maritime supply chain, affecting global shipping networks that rely on shared routes, berthing arrangements, and vessel cooperation. Ocean carriers are likely to pass these added costs on to shippers, which could eventually lead to increased prices for imported goods.
The move follows a January investigation by the USTR, which concluded that China is using unfair trade practices to dominate the global shipping and shipbuilding industries. As part of the plan, new preference rules would also require U.S. export cargo to be transported on U.S.-flagged and crewed vessels.
The final decision on implementing these charges rests with President Trump. Public comments will be accepted through March 24, with a hearing scheduled by the USTR on that date.
According to shipping analysts at Linerlytica, around 17% of container vessels calling at U.S. ports are Chinese-built, accounting for 1.29 million of the total 28.2 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) imported by the U.S. in 2024.