New US Port Fees – Who’s Paying and Why? 👀

SHIPPING NEWS

New Fees at US Ports

In a major escalation of industrial policy, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has confirmed a new port fee structure targeting Chinese-owned and Chinese-built vessels, aiming to bolster the domestic shipbuilding industry and counter China’s global dominance.

Key Details of the New Measures:

• 🛳️ Start Date: From October 14, 2025

• 💵 Fee on Chinese-owned/operated vessels: $50 per net ton of cargo, increasing by $30/year, reaching $140 by 2028.

• 🏗️ Fee on Chinese-built ships (non-Chinese owned):$18 per ton or $120 per container – whichever is higher. Rising by $5/ton and up to $250 per container by 2028

• 🚗 Non-U.S.-built vehicle carriers: Charged $150 per vehicle

• 📅 Frequency cap: Applied once per voyage, maximum 5 times per year per vessel

Exemptions Include:

• Empty bulk vessels entering to load exports like coal or grain

• Domestic U.S. and Caribbean trade routes

• U.S. and Canadian vessels on the Great Lakes

This move follows months of trade tension and comes in lieu of the original proposal to charge up to $1.5 million per port call—an idea scrapped due to industry backlash.

While Washington hopes these fees reignite U.S. shipbuilding, Beijing warns they’ll simply raise costs for American consumers without reviving the industry. As global trade recalibrates, port policy is quickly becoming the newest front in U.S.–China economic rivalry.

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TRADE NEWS

Gold: A Hedge Against Global Instability

Gold has broken through all-time highs, and the reasons run deeper than just inflation. Investors worldwide are seeking shelter in gold as a flight to safety — a move fueled by rising geopolitical risk, economic uncertainty, and mounting tariff tensions.

In times of instability, gold plays a critical role as a store of value. But in today’s climate, its appeal is turbocharged. Ongoing conflicts, inflation fears, and slowing global growth are pushing capital into hard assets. Central banks are also driving demand — particularly in emerging economies — as they increase gold reserves to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar and shield themselves from financial sanctions.

Another major factor is the escalating trade tensions. New and proposed tariffs — especially between major economies like the U.S. and China — are shaking confidence in global supply chains. These trade restrictions raise costs, disrupt sourcing, and inject uncertainty into long-term planning. As businesses and investors anticipate slower growth and more volatile markets, gold becomes a logical hedge.

Interest rate uncertainty only adds to the mix. With diverging central bank policies and questions about future cuts, traditional investments are less predictable — and gold stands out as a stable alternative.

For global traders, rising gold prices aren’t just a financial trend. They’re a signal. They reflect a world hedging against volatility — from tariffs to conflicts — and a reminder to reassess currency exposure, supply chain risks, and broader strategic positioning.

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