China Strikes Back: New Port Fees Threaten to Disrupt Global Shipping
A new escalation is shaking global maritime trade. Over the weekend, several vessels bound for China reportedly turned back to open waters after Beijing announced retaliatory port fees targeting ships linked to the United States. Starting October 14, China will impose an additional fee of 400 yuan per gross ton on all vessels built, operated, registered under the U.S. flag, or even listed on U.S. stock exchanges. The move mirrors Washington’s earlier tariff action on Chinese-owned tonnage, effectively igniting a new round of maritime and trade confrontation between the world’s two largest economies.
According to Jefferies, the new Chinese measures could affect up to 16% of the global crude oil tanker fleet, 14% of LPG carriers, 13% of product tankers, and 11% of container ships — enough to cause major disruptions in global logistics chains. The fee will increase annually, reaching 1,120 yuan per ton by 2028, making China one of the most expensive destinations for vessels with U.S. capital involvement.
Analysts at Arrow Shipbroking Group warn that significant delays are likely in the first days of enforcement, as Chinese ports verify vessel ownership structures and may suspend unloading until confirming the absence of U.S. stakeholders. Meanwhile, Dr. Roar Adland, Head of Research at SSY, commented: “We are witnessing the early stages of a divided global trade system — and shipping will inevitably be caught in between.”
Arrow Shipbroking Group, founded in 1984 in London, is one of the largest independent shipbrokers in the world, specializing in maritime market analysis, risk management, and vessel sale and purchase transactions.