Beginning October 14, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will introduce a new fee structure on vessels linked to China, including ships that are Chinese-owned, operated, or built. The initiative, coordinated with the U.S. Trade Representative, is designed to reduce reliance on Chinese-built vessels, strengthen U.S. port security, and promote domestic shipbuilding.

Under the new rules, Chinese-owned or operated vessels will face fees starting at $50 per net ton, increasing gradually to $140 per ton by April 2028. Non-Chinese operators using Chinese-built ships will incur lower charges, beginning at $18 per ton or $120 per container—whichever is higher—and rising to $33 per ton or $250 per container over the same period.

Carriers will be required to pay these fees through a new Pay.gov portal, currently under development by CBP. Failure to comply could result in denial of port access, suspension of cargo operations, or withheld departure clearances.

This tiered system replaces earlier proposals for multi-million-dollar flat fees per vessel call, following industry feedback that prompted a more scalable model. Still, the move has sparked debate. Proponents see it as a necessary step to counter China’s influence in global shipping and to bolster U.S. shipbuilding, while critics—including automakers and the World Shipping Council—warn of higher consumer prices, supply chain disruptions, and reduced traffic at smaller ports.

Global carriers are already making adjustments in anticipation of the policy. The Premier Alliance is restructuring Asia-Mediterranean and Gulf services to eliminate Chinese-built vessels from U.S. rotations. OOCL and COSCO are rolling out alternative routes, while Maersk has committed to fully excluding Chinese-built ships from its U.S. trades. The policy also includes exemptions for certain vessel types.

With implementation just over a month away, the maritime industry is bracing for wide-ranging impacts. Supporters see the fees as a strategic move to secure U.S. trade infrastructure, while opponents caution that the ripple effects could reshape shipping patterns and raise costs for American businesses and consumers.

Source: splash247.com