What You Need to Know (Effective Oct 14, 2025)

What’s happening? 

Effective October 14, 2025, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) will begin phasing in new fees for vessels linked with China—either through ownership, operation, or because they were built there. These fees are intended as part of a Section 301 action to respond to China’s growing dominance in shipbuilding and maritime logistics.

 Key provisions: 

• Chinese vessel operators & owners will pay fees based on net tonnage (NT) per U.S. voyage. Starting at USD $50/NT in October 2025 and rising to USD $140/NT by April 2028.

• Chinese-built but non‐Chinese-operated vessels will be charged either per NT or per container discharged—whichever cost is higher. Initial rates are roughly $18/NT or $120 per container, escalating over time.

• Caps and limits: Each vessel can be charged fees up to five times per year. Only one applicable fee per voyage (they don’t stack).

• Exemptions: U.S.-flagged vessels; smaller vessels; short-sea shipping; some government or defense-related shipping; and other specific carve-outs.

 Why this matters for importers & exporters: 

• Freight costs for goods arriving via U.S. ports on Chinese-built or Chinese-operated vessels may increase. 

• Carriers may adjust routes, fleet use or vessel ownership to reduce fees. 

• Supply chain planning and negotiations will need sharper attention to terms—especially the port-fees component. 

 What to do now: 

1. Ask your shipping or carrier partners whether your planned service uses affected vessels or fleet types. 

1. Budget for potential extra port/entry fees if your goods are carried on impacted vessels. 

1. Explore alternate carriers or routing options if feasible. 

For full policy details, see the USTR’s Notice of Action and related guidance on the revised plan. (United States Trade Representative)