Trump Administration Faces Backlash Over Proposed Fees on Chinese-Built Ships

Public hearings continue as industry leaders warn of severe economic and supply chain disruptions from the controversial port fee policy.

The U.S. Trade Representative is holding public hearings on proposed fees of up to $3 million per port call for Chinese-built ships, aiming to counter China's dominance in global shipbuilding.
Industry leaders and global shipping bodies criticize the fees as disruptive, warning they could harm U.S. shipping companies and exporters while failing to rebuild domestic shipbuilding quickly enough.
Critics highlight potential supply chain disruptions similar to those seen during the pandemic, with agriculture and coal exporters already reporting booking difficulties due to uncertainty over the policy.
Supporters, including U.S. steelworker unions and steel producers, argue the fees will bolster the struggling U.S. shipbuilding sector, which currently produces fewer than 10 ships annually.
China's shipbuilding industry, which benefits from state subsidies, produces over 1,000 ships annually and controls more than 50% of the global market, underscoring the scale of the challenge for U.S. policymakers.