The US and China imposing reciprocal port fees poses renewed challenges to the global supply chain.

Effective October 14, 2025, the United States and China have officially implemented a new round of targeted port fee policies in the shipping sector, drawing global trade attention.

1. Key Points of US New Regulations:

Targets：Chinese shipowners/operators + vessels built in China (regardless of owner nationality)

Standards：

  - Chinese shipowners: $50 per net ton starting 2025, with annual increases.

  - Chinese-built vessels (non-Chinese owners): Higher of $18 per net ton or $120 per container applies.

2. China's Countermeasures：

Targets：US-related vessels, including:

  - Vessels owned by US entities

  - Vessels flying the US flag

  - Vessels that recently called at US ports

Designation：Uniformly levied as "Special Port Fee for Vessels"

3.  Potential Impacts

- Sharp rise in shipping costs, potentially driving global inflation.
- Shipping route structures face restructuring, requiring adjustments in transit port strategies.
- Non-Chinese/US shipowners also affected, necessitating careful fleet and route planning.

This move signals the further extension of US-China trade friction into core logistics and shipping links. For global trade participants, it implies higher costs, more complex uncertainties, and necessary strategic adjustments.