The move marks Beijing’s first direct maritime countermeasure in the deepening trade confrontation with the United States and adds a new layer of complexity for global carriers operating between the world’s two largest economies.
China’s new regulation introduces a 400-yuan (US $56) per net tonne fee on ships tied to American interests, rising to 1,120 yuan (US $157) by 2028. Each vessel will be charged up to five times per year.
The Ministry described the decision as a “lawful and necessary response” to what it called “unilateral and protectionist” U.S. actions that “seriously harm the legitimate interests of China’s maritime industry and global supply chains”.
Beijing urged Washington to “immediately correct wrong practices and end unjustified repression of China’s maritime industry”.
A mirror image of the US port tariff plan
The announcement follows Washington’s decision, reported by Trans.INFO last week, to impose new port fees on Chinese-built, -owned or -operated ships from 14 October.
Under the U.S. rules, vessels that fail to pay in advance may be denied unloading at U.S. ports, according to guidance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The American tariff rates start at $18–50 per net ton or $120 per container discharged, rising gradually to $33 and $250 respectively by 2028. The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) said the policy aims to counter China’s dominance in global shipbuilding and encourage orders for U.S.-built vessels.
Analysts estimate the new fees could cost shipowners over $3 billion annually, prompting some carriers to reroute or redeploy tonnage to avoid exposure.
China’s countermeasure effectively mirrors the structure and timing of the U.S. policy, suggesting a tit-for-tat escalation that could leave certain vessels facing fees in both jurisdictions.
Tensions spread beyond the docks
The new port fees come amid a wider wave of restrictions and non-tariff measures exchanged between Washington and Beijing in recent weeks.
China has tightened export controls on rare earth metals, artificial diamonds, and lithium battery materials, while the United States has expanded tariffs on Chinese-made industrial goods and trucks.
Observers note that the timing of Beijing’s announcement, just weeks before a likely meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, indicates that both sides are seeking leverage ahead of potential trade talks.
While relatively few commercial vessels sail under the U.S. flag, the Chinese regulation also covers ships owned or operated by American companies, or built in the United States, which could capture a wider pool of operators.
Global logistics analysts warn that dual port fees could increase costs and operational complexity for shipping lines, already facing high insurance premiums and rerouting due to geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea and Taiwan Strait.
China’s Ministry of Transport said it would “continue to assess the situation” and “take further steps if necessary” to defend the country’s maritime interests.
Meanwhile, shipping associations have called on both governments to seek dialogue to prevent the dispute from further disrupting international supply chains.
