China has announced new port fees targeting vessels owned, operated, or built by U.S. entities, in retaliation for similar charges recently introduced by Washington.
The Chinese Ministry of Transport said on Friday that, from 14 October 2025, U.S.-linked vessels will pay 400 yuan ($56) per net tonne when docking at Chinese ports. The rate will gradually rise to 1,120 yuan ($157) by 2028.
Beijing described the decision as a “reciprocal countermeasure” to new U.S. port fees on China-built or operated ships, which analysts estimate could exceed $1 million per voyage. The American measures are part of efforts to revive domestic shipbuilding and reduce dependence on China’s dominant maritime industry.
China remains the world’s largest shipbuilder, producing over 1,000 vessels annually—compared to fewer than 10 in the U.S. last year.
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The move comes amid rising U.S.–China tensions and ahead of a possible meeting between Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump at the upcoming APEC Summit in South Korea.
By Hilltopvoices Newsroom with reports