U.S. Pauses Port Fees on China for One Year

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has announced a one-year suspension of port fees targeting China’s maritime, shipbuilding, and logistics sectors, effective from November 10, 2025, through November 9, 2026.

The fees—originally imposed in October under a Section 301 investigation into China’s state-subsidized shipbuilding industry—were suspended to ease trade tensions and reopen bilateral talks.

Industry reactions remain mixed. Shipping groups such as the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association and Wallenius Wilhelmsen welcomed the pause as a relief for cost control and operational planning. In contrast, labor unions including the United Steelworkers criticized the move, arguing it undermines efforts to rebuild U.S. shipbuilding capacity.

Analysts note that with China accounting for over half (53%) of global ship orders, the truce may bring short-term stability but does little to resolve long-term competitive imbalances in the sector.