Latest Developments in China-U.S. Trade and Economic Policies: Adjustments to Port Fees, Soybeans, Timber, and More

Recent Announcements: Key Policy Changes and Their Implications

On November 10, 2025, the Chinese government issued several new announcements regarding adjustments to trade and economic policies between China and the United States, covering maritime, logistics, shipbuilding industries, export controls, and more. Below are the specific details and the potential impact on the freight forwarding industry.

Key Announcements and Data Updates

Ministry of Transport Announcement
Effective from 13:01 on November 10, 2025, the Ministry of Transport announced that, in response to the U.S. suspension of its final measures in the Section 301 investigation into China's maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding industries, the following policies are also suspended for one year:

Announcement on Special Port Service Fees for U.S. Vessels (Ministry of Transport Announcement 2025 No. 54)

Notice on the Implementation Measures for Special Port Service Fees for U.S. Vessels (Transportation Office Water [2025] No. 59)

Announcement on the Initiation of Investigation into the Impact on Shipping, Shipbuilding, and Relevant Supply Chain Industries (Ministry of Transport Announcement 2025 No. 55)

Ministry of Commerce Announcement

Starting from November 10, 2025, the Ministry of Commerce announced the suspension of Announcement 2024 No. 46 (Concerning Export Control of Dual-Use Items to the United States).

Furthermore, the Ministry of Commerce and General Administration of Customs have suspended the implementation of Announcements 2025 No. 55, 56, 57, 58, and 2025 No. 61, 62. These concern the export control of lithium batteries, synthetic graphite, rare earths, superhard materials, and related items.

General Administration of Customs Announcement

The General Administration of Customs has restored the soybean import qualification for CHS Inc. and two other U.S. companies that were previously suspended.

The suspension of imports of U.S. timber has been lifted, with the new regulations coming into effect from November 10, 2025.

Suspension of Countermeasures Against Hanwa Marine Inc.

In response to the U.S. suspension of its Section 301 investigation into China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding industries, China has announced the suspension of countermeasures against Hanwa Marine Inc. and its five U.S. subsidiaries for one year, effective from November 10, 2025.

Industry Impact and Recommendations

For freight forwarding and logistics companies, these policy changes will have the following effects:

Port Fees and Transportation Delays: The suspension of certain port fees and changes in shipping policies may affect freight rates and delivery times, especially along maritime trade routes between China and the U.S.

Commodity Supply Chain Disruptions: The suspension or relaxation of export controls on key materials such as rare earth elements, lithium batteries, and superhard materials may lead to supply chain disruptions in industries relying on these components.

Restoration of Major Imports: The reinstatement of U.S. soybean and timber imports could help alleviate supply chain pressures, particularly in the agricultural and building material sectors.

Recommendations:

Adjust Transportation Plans: Given potential fluctuations in port fees and transportation times, freight forwarding companies should revise shipping plans and optimize routes to mitigate delays or increased costs.

Monitor Export Control Changes: Companies dealing with sensitive materials like lithium batteries and rare earths should stay informed about the latest export control policies and adjust their export strategies accordingly.

Strengthen Supply Chain Management: Given the relaxation of import restrictions, businesses should maintain close communication with suppliers and customers to ensure smooth cargo flow and avoid disruptions in the supply chain.

How to Respond to These Policy Changes?

For cross-border e-commerce and freight forwarding companies, staying updated on policy changes is crucial to ensuring smooth operations. Here are some optimization suggestions:

Track Policy Changes in Real Time: Regularly monitor government announcements, customs updates, and industry news to stay on top of any policy changes that could impact your logistics operations.

Adapt Freight Forwarding Solutions: Be flexible with shipping routes and choose alternative carriers where necessary to adjust to policy-driven delays or costs.

Maintain Open Communication with Clients: Keep customers informed about the potential impact of policy changes on their shipments and ensure clear communication throughout the process.

Conclusion:

With the continuous changes in China-U.S. trade policies, the logistics industry faces new challenges and opportunities. Through this blog post, we aim to help you quickly understand the policy shifts and take appropriate action. Should you need more assistance with transportation, customs clearance, or any logistics inquiries, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are committed to providing professional solutions to ensure your international trade operations remain smooth and efficient.

Contact us now to ensure that your shipments are handled seamlessly, and stay ahead in the international trade landscape!