Overview

• The U.S. Trade Representative has finalized a capacity-based fee system set to take effect in mid-October, charging $18 per net registered ton (NRT) for non-Chinese-operated but Chinese-built ships and $50 per NRT for Chinese-operated vessels.
• Chinese-operated supertankers could face fees up to $5.2 million per U.S. port visit under the new structure, significantly increasing costs for larger vessels.
• The policy is intended to reduce reliance on Chinese-built ships, protect U.S. supply chains, and bolster domestic shipbuilding, aligning with broader trade measures targeting China's state-subsidized industries.
• Oil traders and charterers are already shifting bookings away from Chinese-built vessels to mitigate the impact of the upcoming fees.
• Observers warn of potential retaliatory actions from Beijing, escalating tensions between the U.S. and China as the implementation date approaches.