China Unveils Detailed Steps to Charge Special Port Fees on US Ships

China has announced detailed measures to impose special port fees on US-linked vessels, escalating maritime tensions between the world’s two largest economies. The decision, confirmed by the Ministry of Transport and reported by state media, marks a direct countermeasure to the United States’ recent move to charge port fees on ships with Chinese connections.

The details published by CCTV mention the specific provisions on exemptions, such as for ships built by China, empty ships entering Chinese shipyards for repair, and other ships that are deemed exempted from payment.

Under the new regulation, China will apply the fees to all vessels that are owned, operated, flagged, or built in the United States, as well as those in which US entities hold 25 percent or more ownership or board control.

However, Chinese-built vessels will be exempt from the charges. The special fee will be collected at a ship’s first port of entry or during its first five visits per year, within an annual billing cycle that begins on April 17.

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According to the Ministry’s notice, ships entering Chinese ports for repair purposes while empty will not be charged. Non-payment of these special fees could result in blocked import and export clearance procedures. The rate for 2025 is set at 400 yuan (about USD 56) per net ton per voyage, and it will gradually increase to 1,120 yuan (USD 157) by 2028.

Beijing has described the move as a ‘legitimate countermeasure’ to what it calls discriminatory practices by Washington. Earlier, the United States introduced port fees targeting Chinese-built, owned, or operated vessels, aiming to strengthen its domestic shipbuilding industry and reduce dependence on Chinese maritime assets. The tit-for-tat measures underscore the deepening friction between the two nations in global trade and logistics.

Industry analysts warn that the reciprocal fees could drive up shipping costs and disrupt global freight flows as operators may reroute or re-flag vessels to avoid the new charges. Major carriers, including China’s COSCO group and US operators using Chinese-built ships, are expected to face added financial pressure. Some companies have already stated publicly that they have no US or Chinese affiliations to avoid potential penalties.

With both China and the United States implementing matching port-fee regimes, global shipping faces a new round of uncertainty and potential cost escalation in an already volatile trade environment.