US Imposes New Fees on Chinese and HK Ships

The Trump administration has imposed new port fees on Chinese-built, owned, and operated ships, including those affiliated with Hong Kong, docking at U.S. ports in an effort to revive the American shipbuilding industry and curb China’s influence in global shipping. The fees, ranging from $18 to $50 per net ton or $120 per container, will escalate over time and are subject to annual caps, with waivers available for ship owners who commit to buying U.S.-built vessels. China, Hong Kong, and industry leaders have sharply criticized the measures as discriminatory, warning of higher shipping costs, inflation in the U.S., and disruptions to global trade. China’s Ministry of Commerce and shipbuilding associations have promised retaliation, while critics suggest U.S. businesses may reroute shipments through alternative ports like Peru. The U.S. government defends the policy on national security and economic grounds, citing China’s dominance in shipbuilding. This move further escalates the ongoing U.S.-China trade war, with both sides indicating the possibility of additional countermeasures.