18.04.2025 07:40
The U.S. Trade Representative announced its plan to charge fees based on net tonnage or the number of containers from China-based shipowners and operators of Chinese-built vessels.
In a statement from the U.S. Trade Representative, it was noted that steps are being taken to address unreasonable actions, policies, and practices by China to restore American shipbuilding and dominate the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors.
NEW MEASURES TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN 2 PHASES
The statement indicated that this comes after approximately a year-long investigation, during which public input was also sought. It was noted that the new measures would be implemented in two phases, with no fees applied during the first 180 days.
FEES TO INCREASE GRADUALLY
At the end of this period, it was stated that net tonnage-based fees would be charged to Chinese shipowners and operators for each U.S. voyage, and fees would also be collected from operators of Chinese-built ships based on net tonnage or container basis, which would be increased gradually.
The statement mentioned that in the second phase, which will take place within three years, limited restrictions would be imposed on the transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) with foreign ships to promote U.S.-built LNG vessels, and these restrictions would gradually increase over 22 years.
"TRUMP'S ACTIONS WILL REVERSE CHINA'S DOMINANCE"
The statement also mentioned that new customs tariffs on port equipment are on the agenda, and public input has been requested in this regard. In the evaluations included in the statement, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer emphasized that ships and maritime transportation are vital to America's economic security and the free flow of trade, stating, "The steps taken by the Trump administration will begin to reverse China's dominance, address threats to the U.S. supply chain, and send a demand signal for U.S.-built ships."