The United States is set to implement a new set of port charges on Chinese vessels beginning in mid-October 2025. The move, which involves a $50-per-ton cargo fee, aims to challenge China’s dominance in global shipping and support the revival of the U.S. shipbuilding industry. The fees will increase annually over the next three years, with different charges based on the type of vessel and cargo carried. This is part of the broader strategy to reduce reliance on foreign-built ships and foster a more competitive U.S. maritime sector.

Port Fees to Impact Chinese Vessels

The U.S. government has confirmed that starting in October, a new port fee will apply to Chinese ships, with the $50 per ton charge levied on cargo. The charge will escalate yearly for the next three years, aiming to gradually reduce China’s dominance in the global shipping market. These fees, though lower than the initially proposed tariffs, are expected to have ripple effects across global trade, potentially leading to increased shipping costs worldwide.

The U.S. Trade Representative has defended the new fees, arguing that China’s success in the shipping industry has come at the expense of American companies and workers. The strategy is aimed not only at limiting China’s shipping power but also at boosting the U.S. domestic shipbuilding industry, which has been struggling to compete in the global market.

“China has achieved a dominant position in shipbuilding through unfair practices, and this initiative is part of our efforts to level the playing field,” said the U.S. Trade Representative in a statement.

Details of the New Port Charges

The charges will vary depending on the type of vessel. Bulk carriers will be charged based on the weight of the cargo they transport, while container ships will face charges depending on the number of containers they carry. For vessels transporting vehicles, a $150 per car fee will be implemented. Additionally, Chinese-built ships will face a separate fee structure starting at $18 per ton of cargo or $120 per container, with increases planned each year.

The port fees are structured to limit the financial impact on shipping companies. The new rules will allow only one charge per journey, with a maximum of five charges per year per ship. However, empty ships returning to collect U.S. exports like grain or coal will not incur charges. Moreover, domestic shipping routes within the U.S. and ships operating on the Great Lakes, as well as those servicing Caribbean islands and U.S. territories, are exempt from the new fees.

Impact on Global Trade and European Ports

While the fees may seem modest compared to earlier proposals that suggested charges up to $1.5 million per port visit, they still have the potential to disrupt global trade. The charges come at a time when international trade has already been significantly affected by the trade war between the U.S. and China. With goods that would traditionally be shipped to American ports now being rerouted to Europe, U.S. consumers are already facing higher prices, and European ports are experiencing significant congestion.

Marco Forgione, Director of the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, commented on the shifting trade flows: “We’re seeing more ships rerouted from China to the UK and EU, which is creating backlogs and pushing prices up. This is a direct consequence of the trade tariffs imposed by the U.S.”

The UK, for instance, saw a 15% increase in Chinese imports early in 2025, and the EU experienced a 12% growth in Chinese goods during the same period. While these rerouted shipments may ease some of the congestion in American ports, they are causing significant delays at European terminals, particularly in the UK and Netherlands, where labor strikes have compounded the issues.

European Ports Face Bottlenecks

Sanne Manders, a logistics expert at Flexport, pointed out that the combination of tariffs and labor strikes in key European ports like Rotterdam, Barcelona, and Felixstowe has led to severe delays. “We are already seeing capacity strain, and more rerouted cargo from China could push European ports to their limits,” Manders said.

As European ports experience increasing congestion, some logistical relief may come in the form of extended summer operating hours. However, Manders noted that many companies are already adjusting their supply chains and seeking alternative markets to avoid the tariffs and delays. Meanwhile, U.S. consumers will likely feel the brunt of the higher tariffs, which could drive up costs on everyday goods.

A Changing Global Supply Chain

The long-term effects of the new U.S. port fees remain uncertain, but analysts expect significant changes in the global supply chain. U.S. companies are already looking at redesigning their networks to manage the increasing costs, while European businesses may not see major price hikes despite the congestion.

These shifts are part of a broader trend in the global trade environment, as the U.S. continues its efforts to reshape international shipping dynamics. As President Trump’s administration has implemented tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese imports, companies and consumers alike are adapting to a new world of trade.

At the same time, the international community is bracing for a second phase of the U.S. strategy, set to begin in three years, which will encourage the use of American-built ships for the transport of liquefied natural gas. Over the next 22 years, the U.S. aims to reduce reliance on foreign-built ships and establish a more self-sufficient maritime industry.