Implementation of port fees proposed by the US Trade Representative on Chinese built, owned and operated ships is due in mid-October, carriers and analysts are now assessing the impact that these fees could have.
A range of views as to the impact of the charges can still be found within the industry with the Swedish Club warning the fees have the potential to “lead to legal disputes, disrupt charter rates, impact vessel asset values, and shift global trade flows.”
Alternatively, shipbroker Braemar expects container vessel operators to largely cope with the charges by redeploying Chinese built ships from US trades into Asia to Europe services while bringing vessels built elsewhere into the Pacific and Atlantic services.
“As the pending USTR fees approach, panic has not set in,” said Braemar.
This content is locked
Select a CN Premium Subscription Package To Unlock The Content!
