China’s Ministry of Transport said it will impose “special port fees” on ships owned or operated by U.S. entities beginning Oct. 14, describing the step as a response to Washington’s decision to add port charges on Chinese vessels after a Section 301 investigation, according to Xinhua news agency.
The rule applies to ships owned or run by U.S. firms and people, as well as ships in which U.S. parties own or control 25% or more of the ship. According to Xinhua, all ships that fly the U.S. flag and are manufactured in the U.S. are included.
The ministry said the fees would start at 400 yuan (about $56.30) per net tonne on October 14 and go up every year on April 17 for the next three years. If a ship makes multiple stops in China on the same trip, it will only have to pay the fee at the first port of call. Each ship can only make five trips per year. The ministry said it would put out specific plans on how to carry out the work.
China called the move “justified,” arguing U.S. actions have violated international trade principles and the China-U.S. maritime transport agreement and disrupted bilateral maritime trade. The ministry urged the United States to reverse course and “cease unwarranted suppression” of China’s maritime industry, Xinhua reported.
The transport ministry plans to publish detailed rules before Oct. 14. Carriers and cargo owners will be watching for operational guidance and any U.S. response.
