Overview

• The proposed fees would apply to ships docking at U.S. ports if their fleet includes Chinese-built or Chinese-flagged vessels, according to a draft executive order.
• Industry experts warn the plan could impose up to $30 billion in annual costs on U.S. consumers and double shipping costs for American exports.
• Shipping companies may reduce U.S. port calls or reroute fleets to avoid fees, potentially causing congestion at major ports and sidelining smaller ones.
• The draft order also calls on U.S. allies to adopt similar measures or face potential retaliation from the United States.
• The Trump administration's goal is to revitalize the declining U.S. shipbuilding sector and weaken China's growing influence in maritime and logistics industries.