US to Impose Port Entry Fees on Chinese Shipping Companies and Vessels Starting October (Update)

Entry Fees Imposed on Chinese-Made Vessels Entering the United States
Portion of LNG Exports to Be Transported Exclusively by U.S.-Built Carriers

Jaimeon Greer, United States Trade Representative (USTR).

The United States has decided to impose entry fees on shipping companies using Chinese-made vessels starting this October to curb China's shipbuilding and shipping industries.

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced on the 17th (local time) that it will impose entry fees on Chinese shipping companies, shipping companies operating Chinese-made vessels, and foreign-built car carriers entering the United States.

For shipowners and operators of Chinese-flagged vessels, fees will be charged per voyage based on weight. For companies operating Chinese-made vessels, fees will be based on the vessel's weight or the number of containers. To encourage the use of U.S.-made car carriers, foreign-made car carriers will be charged fees according to their cargo capacity.

The related fees will be gradually imposed starting October 14, 180 days from now, and the fees will increase annually.

Additionally, the USTR has mandated that starting three years from now, a portion of LNG export volumes must be transported using U.S.-built LNG carriers to promote the construction of LNG carriers in the United States. This requirement will be progressively strengthened over the next 22 years.

USTR Representative Jaymeison Greer stated, "Ships and shipping are essential to the United States' economic security and the free flow of commerce. This measure will reverse China's dominance, respond to threats to U.S. supply chains, and stimulate demand for U.S.-made vessels."