China Imposes New Port Fees on US Vessels, Escalating Trade War

China officially introduced new port fees targeting U.S.-owned, operated, or controlled vessels calling at Chinese ports. This measure, which began on October 14, is a direct, retaliatory response to similar service fees imposed by the U.S. on Chinese ships. The new fees start at approximately $56 per net ton and are scheduled to increase annually until 2028. This move is primarily affecting major carriers with U.S. connections, including Maersk and APL.

The imposition of these fees marks a significant escalation in the ongoing trade dispute between the world’s two largest economies. For the maritime industry, this action adds an immediate new layer of cost and complexity to trans-Pacific trade. Carriers are now forced to rapidly assess the financial impact and develop strategies to either absorb the cost or pass it on to shippers, which could further inflate consumer prices and strain supply chain budgets.

This development underscores the profound and unpredictable impact of geopolitical tensions on global shipping. The fees create a new cost barrier for companies trading between the U.S. and China, forcing importers and exporters to explore alternative sourcing and transportation models. The uncertainty requires logistics firms to maintain high agility and contingency planning to navigate these sudden regulatory hurdles.

Source: https://www.ups.com/us/en/supplychain/resources/news-and-market-updates/market-update-october-15-2025