The United States has launched a new plan to charge port fees on Chinese ships in a bold effort to rebuild its domestic shipbuilding industry. Starting in mid-October, Chinese shipping companies must pay a $50-per-ton cargo fee when entering American ports. The fee will rise each year over the next three years, according to government officials.
This move marks a sharp turn in U.S. trade policy and is part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on Chinese-built vessels and strengthen U.S. industry. It also reflects growing concerns about national security and economic independence.
Targeted Fee Structure Based on Ship Type
The new tariffs are not one-size-fits-all. Instead, they vary by ship category:
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Bulk carriers will pay based on the total weight of cargo.
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Container ships will be charged per container onboard.
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Car carriers from outside the U.S. will face a $150 fee per vehicle.
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Ships built in China, regardless of ownership, will pay $18 per ton or $120 per container.
These rates will increase annually, making Chinese ship operations steadily more expensive in American waters.
Each ship will be charged once per voyage, with a maximum of five charges per year. Ships traveling empty to pick up bulk commodities like grain or coal will be exempt. So will domestic routes within the U.S., its territories, and the Caribbean islands. Canadian and U.S. vessels entering Great Lakes ports will also be spared.
Policy Softened After Initial Industry Pushback
Earlier drafts of the fee proposal faced harsh backlash from global trade groups. The initial version would have imposed port visit fees up to $1.5 million, which many argued would disrupt global shipping networks.
The revised plan, though still aggressive, reflects a more balanced approach. The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) stated that these tariffs are designed to restore fairness after China met its industrial goals, which had sidelined American shipbuilders.
In response, China’s foreign ministry warned the fees would increase consumer prices in the U.S. They also questioned whether tariffs alone could revive America’s shipbuilding industry.
The USTR clarified that the plan no longer includes charges based on fleet size or future Chinese ship orders, as was originally proposed.
Shipping Routes Shift as Trade Tensions Rise
The tariffs, first hinted at by President Trump earlier this year, are already changing global shipping routes. Many vessels carrying Chinese goods are now avoiding the U.S. altogether and rerouting cargo to Europe.
According to Marco Forgione, director at the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, Chinese imports to the UK rose 15%, while the EU saw a 12% increase in the first quarter of 2025. Forgione attributed the shift directly to U.S. trade restrictions.
Meanwhile, Sanne Manders, president of logistics firm Flexport, reported worsening congestion at key European ports like Rotterdam, Felixstowe, and Barcelona. He pointed out that strikes in Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium are adding to delays, and warned of summer backlogs unless ports extend their working hours.
American Shoppers to Feel the Impact
Manders warned that U.S. consumers will likely feel the financial pressure from the new policy. While Chinese exporters may find alternative buyers in Europe, American retailers will face higher shipping costs—likely leading to price increases on everyday goods.
However, the 90-day grace period offers a short-term buffer. Some goods shipped during this window will be exempt from the new tariffs, allowing companies time to adjust supply chains and inventory.
Long-Term Plan: Favoring U.S.-Built LNG Ships
In a second phase of the initiative, the USTR announced that after the three-year rollout, new rules will give preference to U.S.-built ships that carry liquefied natural gas (LNG). These new measures will extend over 22 years, gradually reinforcing America’s energy and manufacturing independence.
This shift fits into a wider U.S. strategy to bring back advanced manufacturing, reduce its reliance on China, and support American jobs across the maritime, energy, and logistics sectors.