Overview

• The U.S. Trade Representative announced a new fee structure for Chinese-built and operated ships, starting at $50 per net ton for Chinese-operated vessels and $18 per net ton (or $120 per container) for Chinese-built ships, with annual increases through 2028.
• Fees will apply on a per-voyage basis, capped at five times per year per vessel, and will not be assessed at every port call as initially proposed.
• Exemptions are granted for domestic exporters, Great Lakes and Caribbean routes, U.S. territories, and empty export voyages, addressing industry concerns about supply chain disruptions.
• Shipowners can obtain three-year fee waivers by placing orders for U.S.-built vessels, incentivizing investment in the struggling American shipbuilding industry.
• The finalized plan represents a scaled-back version of earlier proposals, which faced widespread industry opposition over potential economic harm and supply chain impacts.