The Weekly Current

Compliance

Earlier this month, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) revised its Section 301 measures targeting China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors, significantly softening its initial proposals ahead of the October 14, 2025 implementation date. Rather than imposing charges exceeding $1 million per U.S. port call, fees will now be assessed on a per-voyage basis.

Under the revised plan:

Chinese-Owned or Operated Vessels – A fee of $50 per net ton, per U.S. voyage will apply, increasing to $140 per net ton by April 2028.

Chinese-Built Vessels – Beginning October 14, a fee of $18 per net ton will apply, increasing to $33 per net ton or $120 per container, whichever is greater. Rates will eventually rise to as much as $250 per container.

The plan also introduces several exemptions, including for vessels under 4,000 TEU or 55,000 DWT, ships operating within 2,000 nautical miles of U.S. ports, and certain U.S.-flagged vessels enrolled in the MSP/VISA programs. Operators may also avoid applicable fees by replacing affected vessels with qualifying vessels within 180 days. As a result of these changes, only about 20% of containerships currently calling at U.S. ports are expected to be affected, with carriers anticipated to shift vessels where possible to minimize exposure.

The measures are intended to address China’s dominance in the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors while encouraging greater use of U.S.-built vessels. Although charges will be assessed at the carrier level, associated costs could ultimately be passed along to shippers.

Separately, USTR is proposing additional tariffs on certain Chinese-made ship-to-shore cranes and other cargo-handling equipment. Public comments are due May 19.