by Lloyd's List

THE US Customs and Border Protection agency has detailed how new port fees on Chinese‑linked ships will be enforced, confirming the controversial measure will take effect as planned on October 14.

The move follows months of review and public comment after Washington accused Beijing of using massive state subsidies to dominate the global maritime supply chain.

The fee structure, published on October 3, remains largely consistent with the version outlined by the USTrade Representative in April, except that liquefied natural gas carriers will be exempt.

Under the plan, ships owned or operated by Chinese entities will pay $50 per net ton upon arrival at US ports.

Vessels built in China but operated by non‑Chinese companies will be charged the greater of $18 per net tonne or $120 per container discharged, while vehicle carriers, including roll‑on/roll‑off ships, will owe $14 per net tonne.

CBP said the fees must be paid through the Treasury Department’s Pay.gov system before a vessel enters its first US port, adding that operators—not the agency—are responsible for determining whether a ship is subject to the charges.

Ships without proof of payment may be barred from loading or unloading until fees are verified.

Although some observers had speculated the rollout might be postponed amid ongoing US–China trade negotiations, the CBP’s announcement appears to rule out any delay.

Concerns are already rising that the US rules could invite Chinese retaliation, raising costs and threatening wider disruption in global shipping and supply chains.

Beijing last week enacted amended its maritime regulations establishing a legal basis to respond to what it calls “discriminatory” foreign measures such as the forthcoming US port fees.

This allows China to impose its own charges on vessels from certain countries, restrict or prohibit their entry and exit from Chinese ports, and limit access to shipping data for foreign entities.

“The Chinese government has sufficient reasons to take strong actions,” the China Shipowners’ Association said in a written statement.

Citing the Foreign Trade Law, the Anti‑Foreign Sanctions Law, and the revised Regulations on International Maritime Transport, the association calls on Beijing to impose “equivalent countermeasures,” including additional port fees on US shipowners and operators, to “level the playing field” on China‑US routes.

“Meanwhile, China should not rule out more severe asymmetric countermeasures,” the association added.