China Suspends Port Fees on U.S.-Linked Vessels as Trade Tensions Ease

Mutual Pause on Maritime Fees

China’s Transport Ministry announced on Monday that it will suspend port fees on US-linked vessels for one year. The suspension will start from 13:01 local time (0501 GMT). This decision mirrors a similar move by the United States to pause its own port charges on Chinese-linked vessels. Both nations seek to ease ongoing trade tensions in the maritime and shipbuilding sectors.

Part of a Broader US-China Agreement

The suspension follows the Trump administration’s announcement to halt its Section 301 penalties. The pause will take effect on November 10, 2025.
It is estimated to save around $3.2 billion in annual fees for Chinese-built ships entering American ports.

The agreement was reached in late October during talks between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea. As part of the deal, both countries also suspended 100% tariffs on ship-to-shore cranes and truck container chassis.

Industry Impact

In a Federal Register notice, the US Trade Representative (USTR) confirmed that the suspension is intended to pave the way for negotiations. Negotiations on China’s dominance in global shipbuilding and logistics. The USTR and China’s embassy in Washington have not yet provided further comments. The move signals a temporary de-escalation in maritime trade friction.

Hawaii-based shipping company Matson said it had paid $6.4 million in port fees to China since October 14. In contrast, state-owned COSCO is estimated to face annual costs of up to $1.5 billion from such levies.

The United States said it will continue efforts to boost its domestic shipbuilding capacity. They also aim to strengthen cooperation with allies to ensure fair competition in the global maritime industry.