China Hits Back with New Port Fees on U.S.-Operated Ships

China has announced new port fees targeting ships operated or owned by U.S. companies, in
direct retaliation for similar measures imposed by Washington.

Beijing’s Ministry of Transport began charging fees on U.S.-operated vessels or those with more
than 25 percent U.S. ownership on October 14—the same day the United States began
collecting new port fees on China-built ships calling at its ports, after an announcement last
week.

In a two-page statement, the ministry said the move was a response to the U.S. Trade
Representative’s decision to impose higher fees on Chinese-owned, controlled, or built ships.
It accused Washington of “seriously violating the principles of international trade and the Sino-
U.S. maritime agreement,” adding that the policy “causes serious damage to maritime trade
between China and the United States.”

Under China’s plan, affected U.S. ships will be charged $56 per net ton beginning next week,
rising to $90 per net ton on April 17, 2026; $123 on April 17, 2027; and $157 on April 17, 2028.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection had earlier announced higher fees for China-based
operators, following complaints that Chinese ports unfairly discriminate against American
vessels.

Recent changes to China’s shipping law, effective September 29, allow the government to block
ships from entering its ports under certain conditions.

The U.S. Maritime Administration has long been at odds with China’s Ministry of Transport,
accusing Beijing of providing unfavorable treatment to U.S.-owned vessels despite both
countries pledging fair competition under the 1998 U.S.–China Bilateral Maritime Agreement.