China to impose port fees on US ships in response to US actions

China’s Ministry of Transport announced that starting from October 14, 2025, ships owned or operated by US companies, as well as those built in the US or flying the US flag, will be subject to an additional port fee for each voyage. Reuters reported.

Specifically, for US ships calling at Chinese ports, the fee will be 400 yuan (about $56) per net ton. It is planned to gradually increase: from April 17, 2026, the fee will increase to 640 yuan (89.81 dollars) from April 17, 2027, to 880 yuan (123.52 dollars), and from April 17, 2028, it will be 1,120 yuan (157.16 dollars) per net ton of cargo.

The Chinese ministry explained that such measures are a response to similar actions by the US. In particular, from October 14, US ports will impose a fixed fee of US$80 per net ton on a ship built in China or owned by Chinese companies.

The Chinese ministry stressed that the US actions are discriminatory and harm the legitimate interests of the Chinese shipping industry, disrupt the stability of global supply chains and undermine the international economic and trade order. The Chinese side notes that although the introduction of port fees for US ships will cause some harm to the US, it will be smaller compared to the impact of US tariffs on Chinese ships.

Over the past two decades, China has become the world's largest shipbuilding industry. Industry analysts report that in 2024, Chinese shipbuilding companies built more than 1,000 commercial vessels, while the United States produced fewer than 10 units.

The introduction of duties could affect international shipping and exacerbate the trade dispute between the two countries. Experts note that the new rules create additional pressure on shipping companies and supply chains, but are not expected to sharply increase costs for end users.

At the same time, Chinese authorities emphasize that such measures are aimed at protecting national industry and ensuring a level playing field for shipping companies in the domestic market, calling on the United States to find a compromise on trade issues.