LOS ANGELES / SHANGHAI, Oct. 17, 2025 — A new round of retaliatory port fees introduced by the United States and China is sending ripples through global supply chains, as shipping companies reroute vessels to avoid costly levies. Industry leaders warn the measures are already reducing the number of cargo ships available for trans-Pacific trade and could soon translate into higher prices for consumers in both countries U.S. News.
Dual Tariff Measures Take Effect
On October 14, the U.S. began enforcing port fees of up to $50 per net ton on vessels that are Chinese-owned, operated, or built, even if operated by non-Chinese companies. Ships that fail to pay in advance risk being denied unloading at U.S. ports trans.info.
In response, China’s Ministry of Transport imposed “Special Port Fees” on U.S.-linked vessels calling at Chinese ports, also effective October 14. The Chinese measures apply to ships engaged in international trade and are part of a broader retaliation against U.S. trade restrictions BIMCO.
Shipping Industry Scrambles
To avoid the new levies, ship operators are pulling Chinese-built vessels from U.S. trade lanes and removing U.S.-linked ships from Chinese schedules. These workarounds are disrupting cargo flows, reducing vessel availability, and creating uncertainty in freight markets U.S. News.
“Carriers are now re-evaluating entire fleet deployments,” said a senior executive at a global logistics firm. “The result is fewer ships on key routes and longer lead times for goods.”
Economic Fallout Looms
Analysts warn that the reduced shipping capacity could lead to higher freight rates, which may be passed on to consumers through increased prices for imported goods. The timing is particularly sensitive as both economies face inflationary pressures and slowing growth.
The port fee standoff also raises fears of a broader re-escalation in U.S.–China trade tensions, which had cooled in recent years. Beijing has called on Washington to “correct its wrong practices” and show “sincerity” in trade talks, while U.S. officials defend the fees as necessary to counter China’s dominance in global shipbuilding Asia News Network.
Sources:
trans.info Trans.INFO – U.S. port fees on Chinese-linked ships
Asia News Network Asia News Network – China urges sincerity in trade talks
U.S. News U.S. News & World Report – Port fees disrupt cargo flows
BIMCO BIMCO – China’s special port fees on U.S. vessels
