Proposed US fees on Chinese ships threaten to disrupt container supply chains

Posted on March 28, 2025   |  

The Trump administration's proposed port fees aim to boost U.S. shipbuilding but could disrupt international intermodal trade.

The plan would impose fees of up to $1.5 million per port call on Chinese-built and Chinese-operated vessels.

Affected shipping lines may divert cargo to Canadian and Mexican ports to avoid high U.S. port fees.

The proposed fees could add up to $2,100 per 40-foot container, nearly matching current shipping costs from Shanghai to Los Angeles.

U.S. trade groups warn that the policy could harm the American economy, increase the trade deficit, and reduce imports.

Major U.S. ports like Los Angeles, Long Beach, and New York may see traffic consolidation as carriers drop smaller port calls.

Canadian and Mexican ports, along with rail operators CN and CPKC, could benefit from diverted U.S.-bound cargo.

Canadian ports are preparing to manage potential surges in U.S.-bound freight without disrupting domestic supply chains.