The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) welcomed reports that the U.S. and China have agreed to suspend Section 301 port fees for one year. ICS has been consulting with the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and the Chinese government throughout the investigation. The organization looks forward to official confirmation and further details.
The reported suspension covers China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding industries. China has reportedly agreed to reciprocally suspend countermeasures targeting U.S.-linked ships. ICS called the development a positive step for the global shipping industry.
“ICS supports efforts to strengthen U.S. shipbuilding, as additional commercial tonnage enhances efficiency and competitiveness in the global maritime sector,” the organization said.
ICS stressed that the port fees, first imposed by the USTR on 14 October 2025 and mirrored by China, caused significant disruptions to shipping and global trade. The organization reiterated its commitment to enabling trade to move freely and efficiently and pledged to work with governments and international partners to avoid further disruptions.
