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Industry news · 2025-10-21
US and China impose reciprocal port fees: what it means for your shipments
From 14 October 2025, new port fees target Chinese-owned and Chinese-built vessels in the US, and US-linked vessels in China.
Effective 14 October 2025, the United States and China have introduced a new round of targeted port fees in shipping — a development that global traders are watching closely.
The US measures
- Chinese shipowners and operators: USD 50 per net ton from 2025, rising every year
- Chinese-built vessels with non-Chinese owners: the higher of USD 18 per net ton or USD 120 per container
China's countermeasures
China levies a "Special Port Fee for Vessels" on ships owned by US entities, flying the US flag, or that recently called at US ports.
Possible impacts
- Higher shipping costs, which may feed through to prices
- Carriers restructuring routes and transshipment ports
- Knock-on effects for shipowners from other countries, who must plan fleets and routes carefully
The fees extend US–China trade friction into core shipping links, adding cost and uncertainty. If you're planning sea freight to the US, talk to us about routing and timing options before you book.
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