US-China Maritime Trade War: New Port Fees Threaten Global Shipping Disruption

Oct 14, 2025 09:31 am CST

The United States and China are implementing reciprocal port fees on shipping companies starting October 14, escalating trade tensions and potentially disrupting global maritime commerce. The fees target vessels linked to each country, with China's COSCO expected to bear $3.2 billion in costs by 2026. This maritime conflict, coupled with Trump's threats of additional tariffs, transforms shipping from a neutral commercial channel into a strategic instrument of international politics.