China Responds to U.S. Port Fee Hike: What It Means for Global Shippers

📰 1. The News: A New Round of China–U.S. Maritime Tensions

On October 14, 2025, the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officially launched a new measure under the “Section 301 Investigation”, targeting Chinese shipping companies with unprecedented port charges.

Under the new policy:

Chinese-operated vessels are charged USD 50 per net ton per port call.
→ For a 50,000-ton bulk carrier, the cost reaches USD 2.5 million per call.

China-built vessels face USD 18 per net ton or USD 120 per container (whichever is higher), with a single 10,000-TEU container ship paying up to USD 8.5 million per call.

Each vessel can be charged up to five times per year.

This marks the first time the U.S. has applied such high port tariffs directly aimed at China’s maritime sector.

⚡ 2. China’s Countermove: Reciprocal Port Fees on U.S.-Linked Ships

Within hours, China’s Ministry of Transport announced a “Special Port Fee on U.S.-Linked Vessels”, implementing a reciprocal and broader countermeasure.

Key points of the Chinese policy:

In essence: The U.S. targeted China specifically, while China’s policy strategically covers all U.S.-involved shipping — expanding the impact to a global scale.

📊 3. Data Perspective: The Global Balance of Power

90% of U.S. maritime cargo relies on foreign-owned vessels.

China controls about one-third of the world’s merchant fleet, according to UNCTAD data.

Major international carriers — including Maersk, MSC, and ONE — have varying levels of U.S. shareholding, meaning many global vessels could fall under the new Chinese rule.

👉 The U.S. initiated a “targeted strike”, but China’s countermeasure effectively envelops U.S. maritime interests worldwide.

🌍 4. Impact on Global Trade and Shipping Costs

Rising Freight Rates on Trans-Pacific Routes
Additional port fees will increase cost per TEU by an estimated USD 80–150 on average.

Possible Port Diversions
Carriers may re-route through neutral ports (Singapore, Busan, Dubai) to avoid double taxation.

Higher Operational and Insurance Costs
Insurance underwriters are likely to reassess risks on U.S.–China trades, potentially raising premiums.

Logistics Delays and Compliance Checks
Customs documentation and ownership verification could add new layers of port-side procedures.

💡 5. Recommendations for Shippers and Importers

As a China-based freight forwarder, we advise our global clients to act early and plan proactively:

Review your supply chain exposure to U.S.-linked carriers or routes.

Consider China-built or neutral-flag vessels when arranging shipments.

Secure space contracts in advance to mitigate volatility.

Use digital tracking and compliance tools to ensure your cargo avoids potential delays.

Consult with local logistics experts in China to identify the best alternative ports or routes.

Our operations team is continuously monitoring regulatory updates from both governments and coordinating with major ports in Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, and Qingdao to ensure uninterrupted cargo movement.

🚀 6. Our Commitment

At Pasi International Logistics, we understand that global trade depends on reliability — even in times of policy uncertainty.
We remain committed to providing stable, compliant, and cost-effective shipping solutions between China and North America, including alternative routing and transshipment options.