Pay Up or Stay Out: US Ports Target Chinese Ships 🚢

SHIPPING NEWS

Chinese Ships Face US Ban Without New Fees

Beginning October 14 2025, vessels tied to China — whether owned, operated, or built — will be subject to new port-entry fees when calling at US ports. Ships that fail to pay or confirm payment risk being denied cargo operations, clearance, or even access to US terminals.

Under the new regulations, the responsibility for determining and settling fees lies with the vessel operator. Payments must be initiated at least three business days before arrival to avoid penalties or entry delays.

Fee Structure & Exemptions

• Chinese-owned or operated vessels: USD 50 per net tonnage per voyage.

• Vessels built in China: the higher of USD 18 per net tonnage or USD 120 per discharged container.

• Vehicle carriers (RoRo vessels): USD 14 per net tonnage.

• LNG carriers: fully exempt.

To reduce the financial burden on frequent operators, each vessel will only be charged for a maximum of five voyages per year. Exemptions also apply to smaller vessels, empty arrivals, and short-sea trades.

Major shipping lines are already redeploying China-built vessels to avoid the new costs. Analysts warn that the policy could add up to USD 3.2 billion annually in additional fees and create ripple effects throughout global supply chains.

China has condemned the measures as discriminatory and signaled possible retaliatory tariffs or access restrictions on foreign vessels calling at Chinese ports. As both sides harden their maritime stances, global carriers are bracing for another round of geopolitical tension at sea — this time, in the form of port fees and shipping routes.

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