According to Reuters, China will begin charging additional port fees on U.S.-owned, U.S.-operated, or U.S.-flagged vessels from October 14, the country’s transport ministry announced. The move comes in direct response to upcoming U.S. port fees targeting Chinese ships.
The ministry called the U.S. action “discriminatory” and accused Washington of disrupting global trade stability. Under the new Chinese measure, U.S. vessels will pay 400 yuan ($56.13) per net tonne per voyage, rising to 640 yuan in April 2026, 880 yuan in April 2027, and 1,120 yuan ($157.16) from April 2028.
The reciprocal tariffs mark a new escalation in U.S.-China maritime tensions, which have intensified since September. The U.S. fees, introduced after a USTR investigation, aim to support domestic shipbuilding and curb China’s growing dominance in the sector.
Industry analysts note the impact may be uneven, as China’s shipyards—building over 1,000 vessels last year compared with fewer than 10 in the U.S.—play a far larger role in global shipping.
An oilseed trader commented that the move “shows China remains frustrated with the U.S.,” adding that Chinese importers are unlikely to resume purchases of U.S. agricultural products soon.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are expected to meet at the APEC summit in South Korea later this month.
China’s response follows the pattern outlined in Container News’ recent analysis:
