US–China port fees: the 2025 measures and suspension update
The fees introduced in October 2025 were suspended for one year from 10 November 2025. Read the corrected scope and dated policy update before booking.
Updated / reviewed ·
Policy review: USTR suspended the relevant Section 301 action from 10 November 2025 through 9 November 2026. China's Ministry of Transport announced a synchronized one-year suspension from 10 November 2025. These announced suspension periods are still in effect on this review date. Check the latest notices for your shipment date; this article does not establish any later resumption or extension.
This article records measures introduced on 14 October 2025. The later suspension is explained in the dated update above; the following is historical context.
The original US measures
The announced initial rates included USD 50 per net ton for Chinese vessel owners or operators, and USD 18 per net ton or USD 120 per container for operators of Chinese-built vessels, subject to the notice's calculation rules and exceptions.
China's original scope
China's original measures applied to vessels with US ownership or operation, direct or indirect US holdings of at least 25% (equity, voting rights or board seats) in the owner/operator, the US flag, or US construction. The implementation rules exempted Chinese-built vessels in the ownership, operation, control and flag groups, and qualifying empty repair calls. A previous US port call was not a criterion.
Planning your shipment
The original measures raised concerns about freight costs and routing. Applicable policy, carrier surcharges and schedules should be confirmed for the actual sailing date. Contact us to review your routing before booking.
Sources
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