US imposes port entry fees on Chinese ships… All-out war intensifies after semiconductor war

 The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is set to announce a final plan on April 17, 2025, to impose port entry fees on ships linked to China. This initiative aligns with President Trump's strategy to counter China's dominance in global shipping and bolster U.S. shipbuilding. The proposed fees could reach up to $1.5 million per port call for Chinese-built vessels, potentially affecting a significant portion of the global shipping fleet. ​

The proposal has faced substantial opposition from various stakeholders, including U.S. exporters, importers, port operators, and shipbuilders. Critics argue that such high fees could disrupt domestic supply chains, particularly impacting small-to-medium ports and the industries they serve. Concerns have been raised that these fees might redirect shipping traffic, overburden major ports, and underutilize facilities built through public investment. 

In response to this pushback, the USTR is considering adjustments to the original proposal. Reports suggest that the administration may scale back the fees, potentially making them more affordable for smaller vessels and reconsidering the cumulative nature of the charges. ​

This development follows a series of escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China, particularly in the semiconductor sector. The imposition of port entry fees is seen as a strategic move to exert economic pressure on China while promoting domestic maritime interests.