The airfreight sector may see increased demand due to a proposed new fee targeting China-built vessels importing goods into the US.
The US Trade Representative (USTR) has suggested imposing a charge between $500,000 and $1.5 million per port call for any Chinese-owned or operated vessel, as well as carriers with Chinese-built ships in their global fleets.
However, according to Xeneta, a leading freight data platform, this move could have unintended consequences for ocean shipping, including congestion, rising freight costs, and shifts in trade patterns.
Peter Sand, Xeneta’s chief analyst, warned that ocean carriers would likely adjust their operations to avoid the fees, potentially leading to severe delays at US ports.
“Ocean carriers will likely reduce the number of port calls, which could result in major congestion and logistical bottlenecks,” he explained. “It raises the question of whether policymakers fully understand the potential disruption this could cause for US importers.”
Sand also suggested the policy might drive a shift toward airfreight. “If container shipping becomes more expensive and cumbersome, we could see an increase in goods moving via air,” he noted.
A similar situation occurred last year when carriers reduced port calls in Asia and increased container volumes at Singapore to mitigate disruptions caused by the Red Sea crisis. While well-intentioned, this led to severe congestion and a 300% surge in spot rates from the Far East to the US East Coast.
The proposed fees stem from USTR research indicating that China’s shipbuilding industry benefits from unfair state subsidies. The agency is currently accepting public comments on the plan until March 24, after which a public hearing will be held.
Following the hearing, USTR will present recommendations to US President Donald Trump, who will decide on the next steps.
Source: aircargonews.net