Beijing details port fees on US-linked vessels, exempts China-built tonnage

The Ministry of Transport disclosed on 14 October that China-built vessels, as well as empty ships entering domestic yards solely for repairs, will be exempt from the fee. The announcement also refers to other vessels recognised and approved for exemption, though no further details were provided.

Beijing’s move comes in retaliation against measures introduced by the US Trade Representative, which China claims “violate international trade principles and the US–China Maritime Agreement, causing severe disruption to maritime trade between the two countries.” Notably, the new US port fees also take effect today.

The Chinese measures apply to five categories of vessels, prompting industry scrutiny over the inclusion of “vessels owned or operated by enterprises in which US entities or individuals hold 25% or more of the equity.” The provision could affect several international US-listed shipowners.

Greek owner Harry Vafias expressed concerns about the measures in comments to Riviera. He warned that the financial burden could be enormous, citing bulk carriers as an example. “These ships will simply not travel to China – the charter contract would not make sense under these numbers,” he said.

According to Xclusiv Shipbrokers’ latest weekly report, fleets operated by US-listed companies account for approximately 4% of the global dry bulk fleet, 12% of tankers, 5% of container vessels, and 9% of gas carriers by vessel numbers. However, the new exemptions are expected to significantly reduce the number of vessels actually affected.

Implementation details

In addition to the initial announcement, the Ministry of Transport stated that shipowners or their agents must report to the maritime administration at the port of call – seven days before the vessel’s expected arrival – information including the vessel’s country of construction, flag state, owner, operator, lease status, and intended ports of call.

The ministry also reiterated that if a vessel calls at multiple Chinese ports during the same voyage, the special port service fee is payable only at the first port of call. Furthermore, vessels that call at Chinese ports more than five times within one year need to pay the fee for only the first five voyages; subsequent voyages are exempt upon presentation of proof of prior payments.

Calculated per voyage and based on net tonnage, the fees will start at US$56 per net tonne on 14 October 2025 and gradually increase to US$157 by 2028.

Vessels that violate these measures and fail to pay the special port service fee as required shall not be granted clearance for entry or exit by the maritime administration, the Chinese ministry said.

Escalating trade tensions

Shipping represents just one front in the broader US–China trade tensions. Beijing’s decision to tighten export controls on rare earths has reignited threats from US President Donald Trump to impose 100% tariffs on all Chinese imports.

In response, the Chinese government accused Washington of “double standards” and warned it could introduce further countermeasures, signalling a potential escalation in the trade dispute.

According to Bloomberg, both sides are “lining up bargaining chips” ahead of a planned meeting between the two countries’ leaders later this month on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea. However, it remains uncertain whether the meeting will proceed in light of recent developments.