China to Impose Port Entry Fees on U.S. Vessels Starting October 14

Yonhap News Agency

China has announced that starting October 14, it will impose a port entry fee of 400 yuan (approximately 80,000 won) per ton on U.S. vessels.

This measure is seen as a retaliatory response to the United States Trade Representative (USTR)'s policy, announced in April, to impose port entry fees on ships operating in China and Chinese-built vessels, which is set to take effect on the same day.

On October 10, the Chinese Ministry of Transport stated, "In accordance with the International Maritime Regulations of the People's Republic of China and other relevant laws, as well as the basic principles of international law, and with the approval of the State Council, it has been decided to impose a 'special port service fee' on vessels related to the United States starting October 14."

The fee applies to vessels owned or operated by U.S. companies, organizations, or individuals. It also covers vessels owned or operated by companies or organizations in which U.S. companies, organizations, or individuals hold a stake of 25% or more.

In addition, vessels flying the U.S. flag or built in the United States are also subject to the entry fee. The fee will be applied per voyage and will be gradually increased in the future.

Starting October 14, vessels calling at Chinese ports that fall under these categories will be required to pay 400 yuan (approximately 80,000 won) per ton. The fee will rise to 640 yuan (approximately 127,000 won) per ton from April 17, 2026, 880 yuan (approximately 175,000 won) per ton from April 17, 2027, and 1,120 yuan (approximately 223,000 won) per ton from April 17, 2028.

The Ministry of Transport criticized the background of this measure, stating, "The USTR's policy announced in April to impose entry fees on Chinese vessels seriously violates the basic principles of international trade and the China-U.S. maritime agreement," and added, "It is an act that causes significant harm to maritime trade between the two countries."

The entry fee announced by China is about 10% higher than the amount the United States decided to impose on Chinese vessels at that time.

Meanwhile, starting October 14, the United States will impose an entry fee of 50 dollars (approximately 71,000 won) per ton on Chinese vessels, with the amount set to increase incrementally to 140 dollars (approximately 199,000 won) per ton by 2028.