by Kathrin Wolf, SeaNewsEditor
On 10 November, China and the US officially put their reciprocal port fees on hold for one year, following high-level summits and coordinated announcements from both governments. The fees, introduced in October as part of escalating trade measures, had threatened to disrupt transpacific shipping, increase costs, and create logistical bottlenecks for carriers and shippers.
Shipping organisations and trade bodies have widely welcomed the suspension, hoping it signals a move toward permanent resolution. The World Shipping Council (WSC), representing 90% of the world’s container shipping companies, emphasised the importance of certainty for reliable and efficient services.
According to WSC, container shipping supports over 9 million US jobs and contributes nearly $1.7 trillion to US GDP.
For carriers, the financial impact is substantial. The port fees were estimated to cost the industry around $3.2 billion annually. Chinese container shipping lines Cosco and OOCL reportedly incurred $42 million in costs during the first week of US-imposed fees.
The suspension has already revived transpacific bookings and restored market confidence, with key beneficiaries such as Cosco Shipping and US carrier Matson seeing immediate financial relief.
Shippers benefit from the truce as well. The removal of fees reduces uncertainty in US-China trade relations, strengthens expectations for global supply chain stability, and helps avoid further disruptions to fleet investment, corporate structures, and trade routes. The industry hopes that the one-year suspension will become permanent, providing the predictability needed for long-term planning.
Despite the positive reception, analysts caution that the truce may be only a temporary reprieve. Both Democrats and Republicans in Washington remain committed to rebuilding American shipbuilding, and trade unions have criticised the move as a setback for the domestic industry.
According to shipping media Splash 24/7, analysts from Hartland and Braemar suggest that while the temporary suspension of US-China tariffs and port fees offers relief, it is unlikely to resolve underlying tensions. They warn that shipbuilding will remain a central issue in ongoing US-China power dynamics, and the current truce may be only a short-term measure rather than a permanent solution.
An analyst from Huatai Securities, as reported by Lloyd's List, further notes that medium- to long-term volatility remains, especially with ship supply projected to increase in 2026 and potential changes in global trade routes.
The suspension of these port fees is a development welcomed by carriers and shippers, providing immediate financial and operational relief. However, the underlying tensions and policy uncertainties mean that vigilance and adaptability will continue to be essential for the industry.
