China imposes port fees on U.S. vessels
China’s Ministry of Transportation announced it will levy a “special port fee” on U.S.-owned and U.S.-flag vessels, and ships with 25%+ U.S. equity, calling at Chinese ports starting Oct. 14, 2025, in retaliation for U.S. fees on Chinese ships. The fee begins at 400 yuan ($56) per net ton and escalates annually through 2028, applies only at the first Chinese port per voyage, and is capped at five voyages per vessel per year; Beijing says the U.S. policy violates trade principles and a bilateral maritime agreement.
International
Economy
📌 Key Facts
- Effective Oct. 14, 2025, fee set at 400 yuan per net ton; rises to 640 yuan (Apr. 17, 2026), 880 yuan (Apr. 17, 2027) and 1,120 yuan (Apr. 17, 2028).
- Applies to vessels owned by U.S. entities, U.S.-flag ships, and ships with 25%+ U.S. equity.
- Collected only at the first Chinese port of call per voyage; maximum five voyages per vessel per year.
- China frames the measure as retaliation for U.S. fees on Chinese-built/owned/operated ships (e.g., $80 per net ton; $154 per TEU option for some operators).
- Ministry says U.S. move violates international trade principles and the China–U.S. maritime agreement.