Trump administration imposes new fees on Chinese ships at U.S. ports

Posted on April 22, 2025   |  

The Trump administration has approved new fees on Chinese-built vessels arriving at U.S. ports, following a USTR investigation that began during the Biden administration.

The investigation found that China’s shipbuilding practices were unfair and hurt U.S. commerce.

Instead of charging fees per port, the final rule will apply once per voyage.

Fees will start at $0 in April 2025 and gradually increase to $140 per net ton by April 2028.

Vessel owners may receive fee waivers if they place shipbuilding orders with U.S. yards, based on matching tonnage.

For Chinese-built container ships, the container-based fee will rise from $0 to $250 per container over the next few years.

Fees will be charged up to five times per year per vessel.

Car carrier vessels built outside the U.S. will also face a new fee, starting at $150 per Car Equivalent Unit (CEU).

A second phase, beginning in three years, will apply to LNG vessels, with restrictions increasing over a 22-year timeline.