China to impose special port fees on US ships

October 10, 2025 (MLN): China is to impose special port fees on ships operated by and built in the United States, effective October 14, in retaliation for similar measures introduced by Washington in April.

The new fees will apply to US-flagged vessels, ships built in the US, and those owned or operated by American firms or individuals, as reported by APP.

According to China’s transport ministry, US ships will initially be charged 400 yuan ($56) per net tonne, rising to 640 yuan in April and increasing annually thereafter.

Beijing’s move follows the US decision to impose port fees on Chinese-linked ships earlier this year a measure US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said was intended to counter China’s dominance in global shipbuilding and boost domestic production.

China’s transport ministry condemned the US action as “protectionist,” emphasizing that the American shipbuilding industry, once dominant after World War II, now accounts for just 0.1% of global output.

China currently leads the sector, producing nearly half of all new ships worldwide, followed by South Korea and Japan.

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