The US Trade Representative has moved to extend, for a second time, the suspension of planned port fees targeting China's shipbuilding, maritime and logistics sectors. The fees, which were due to take effect on 9 November, will now remain paused through 9 January 2027, giving Washington and Beijing more time to negotiate before any charges would apply.

What Are the Fees and Who Do They Affect?

The measures stem from a Section 301 investigation into China's maritime and shipbuilding practices. Under the plan, non-Chinese companies operating Chinese-built vessels calling at US ports would face a charge of $50 per net tonne. Chinese companies would be subject to a separate fee of $18 per net ton or $120 per container discharged, whichever amount is higher. These figures are far lower than the fees originally floated earlier in the process, which had included a proposed $1 million charge per US port call or $1,000 per net tonne.

Alongside the vessel fees, the broader Section 301 action also covers tariffs on port equipment, including a 100% duty on Chinese-manufactured ship-to-shore gantry cranes, as well as additional tariffs on Chinese-built intermodal chassis and related subassemblies. The extended suspension pauses all of these measures together.

Why the Delay?

The USTR said the extension is meant to allow further negotiation with China over the practices identified in the original investigation. The current suspension traces back to a one-year truce agreed between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which was due to expire on 9 November. The new two-month extension reportedly formalises an understanding reached between the two leaders during Xi's visit to the White House in late September.

A Narrow Window for Public Comment

The USTR has opened a short public comment period for interested parties to weigh in on the proposed extension. Comments must be submitted electronically through the USTR portal, under a specific docket number, with a strict deadline toward the end of October. The compressed timeline gives shippers, carriers and other transportation stakeholders only a few days to formally respond before the suspension is finalised.

Uncertainty Beyond January

What happens after 9 January 2027 remains unclear. The USTR notice does not specify what would occur if the suspension lapses without a long-term agreement between the US and China. This leaves open the possibility that the fees could still take effect in the new year if negotiations stall, though no details have been given about any contingency process or further extensions.

What This Means for Shippers and Cargo Owners

For now, this extension offers shippers, importers and exporters another two months of certainty on costs tied to Chinese-built and Chinese-operated vessels calling at US ports. Rates and booking decisions should not be affected by these specific fees through early January, since no liability will accrue during the suspension period. The same applies to equipment costs, as the pause also covers tariffs on cranes and chassis that could otherwise raise infrastructure and handling costs passed on to cargo owners.

However, the lack of clarity about what follows 9 January means shippers relying on Chinese-built tonnage should keep monitoring the situation closely. Those booking cargo on vessels that could be affected may want to build in some flexibility for contracts or routing decisions that extend past the new deadline. Tracking developments from the USTR, and watching for any outcome from the ongoing US-China talks, will be important for anyone planning shipments into the new year.

Sources: theloadstar.com, seatrade-maritime.com