U.S. to impose fees on all Chinese-built ships, stirring global shipping sector

Posted on April 18, 2025   |  

The U.S. will begin charging fees on Chinese-built ships docking at American ports starting October 14, 2025, regardless of who owns the vessel.

The final policy is less severe than the initially proposed flat $1.5 million per docking fee, offering some relief to non-Chinese owners.

Non-Chinese owners must pay the higher of two options: a weight-based fee ($18/ton rising to $33/ton by 2028) or a container-based fee ($120/container rising to $250/container).

Car carriers built outside the U.S. will be charged $150 per vehicle transported.

LNG carriers must transition to using U.S.-built, flagged, and operated ships for a portion of exports—starting at 1% in four years, reaching 15% by 2047.

The fees apply once per voyage and are capped at six voyages per year for affected ships.

Temporary fee exemptions (up to 3 years) are available for owners who order and receive a U.S.-built vessel of equal or greater tonnage.

Chinese shipowners will face significantly higher charges—starting at $50 per ton of cargo and increasing by $30 annually, potentially totaling $8.4 million per transpacific voyage for large container ships.