This week, China announced new port fees targeting U.S.-linked ships, mirroring recent measures introduced by the United States. The new rules apply to vessels operated, owned, flagged, or built by U.S. entities, as well as companies with 25% or more U.S. ownership.
The decision follows the U.S. Office of the United States Trade Representative's (USTR) confirmation that similar fees will take effect on 14 October 2025 for Chinese-built and Chinese-owned ships calling at American ports.
Scale of impact
According to the global shipping association BIMCO, around 35% of the global fleet across container, crude tanker, product tanker, and bulk carrier segments may be affected by the new U.S. port charges. Of those vessels, approximately 70% are owned or operated by Chinese companies, while 30% were constructed in China. More than half of the Chinese-built vessels are expected to be exempt due to their size or U.S. ownership.
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics shows that only 188 commercial ships currently carry the U.S. flag, representing about 0.4% of the global fleet. Earlier this year, the White House noted that the U.S. builds less than 1% of the world's commercial ships, while China produces about half.
Industry analysts at Linerlytica estimate that if both countries enforce the new port fees fully, shipping companies could face up to US$3.9 billion in costs during the first year for calls at Chinese ports. Chinese operators, in turn, could incur around US$1.2 billion in charges at U.S. ports from mid-October onward.
Container carriers most affected
The extent of the impact on container carriers remains uncertain. Danish publication ShippingWatch reported that Maersk's U.S. subsidiary, Maersk Line Limited, could be among the companies most affected. A company spokesperson told ShippingWatch, "We have noted the Chinese initiative taking effect on Oct. 14 and are currently assessing its potential impact on our services calling at ports in China."
Maersk Line Limited operates 23 U.S.-flagged vessels engaged in international trade. Other carriers potentially subject to the new charges include U.S.-based Matson and CMA CGM's American President Lines (APL).
Matson operates more than 20 vessels, including containerships, roll-on/roll-off vessels, and container barges, and stated that it has no plans to alter its service schedule despite being subject to China's new port fees.
APL operates 10 U.S.-flagged ships within a fleet of 153 container vessels, offering services linking North America to Asia and Europe, as well as regional feeder routes in the Middle East.
Source: Kuehne+Nagel News
