China Imposes Retaliatory Port Fees on US Ships Amid Escalating Maritime Trade Tensions

Oct 10, 2025 07:44 pm CST

China has implemented new "special port fees" on American ships in direct retaliation to similar US measures, charging 400 yuan ($56) per net tonne starting October 14. This maritime trade dispute highlights growing tensions between the world's largest economies, with China—currently producing nearly half of all newly launched vessels globally—defending the move as protection for its shipping industry against US protectionism.