Trade Group Warns US Fees on Chinese Ships Will Disrupt Economy

The proposed U.S. fees on Chinese-built ships entering American ports have sparked significant concern among industry experts and trade groups, who warn that the policy could disrupt freight patterns and raise costs for consumers and exporters. The American Trucking Associations highlighted that the fees, which could reach up to $1.5 million per ship, may force carriers to consolidate cargo at fewer ports, adversely affecting smaller port economies. Critics argue that the measures are rooted in protectionism and could exacerbate tensions between the U.S. and China, with the China Shipowners' Association claiming the proposal violates international trade laws. Economic analysts predict that these fees could lead to an annual burden of $30 billion on U.S. consumers and threaten the competitiveness of American grain exports. Meanwhile, the U.S. Trade Representative defends the plan as a necessary step to address unfair practices attributed to China's maritime industry. Overall, the proposal is seen as a misguided attempt to revive U.S. shipbuilding while potentially harming domestic economic interests.