U.S. Penalizes China-Built Ships with Multimillion-Dollar Port Fees

In a bold move that could reshape global shipping patterns, the United States has taken decisive steps to penalize vessels that are made in China — or owned and operated by Chinese companies — every time they call at American ports.

The cost? For some, a staggering $5.2 million per stop, shipbrokers estimate.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced a new fee structure based on a vessel’s net tonnage per U.S. voyage — a notable shift from the previously proposed flat per-entry fees. That earlier plan would’ve imposed up to $1.5 million per entry for Chinese-built ships and $1 million for operators with such ships in their fleets — regardless of where a specific ship was built.

Now, the U.S. is going all in, signaling a dramatic escalation in efforts to curb China’s dominance in global maritime construction and operation.

“Ships and shipping are vital to American economic security and the free flow of commerce,” said Jamieson Greer, a U.S. trade official.  “This action aims to reverse Chinese dominance and reignite demand for U.S.-built ships.” he further added. 

According to Arrow Shipbroking Group, the heaviest burden will fall on massive Chinese-built oil supertankers, which could face the full $5.2 million charge per visit. That’s up from a previous high of $3.5 million under earlier fee proposals.

As a result, a ripple effect is already forming. Oil traders and charterers are actively avoiding Chinese-built tankers, fearing mounting costs and operational headaches. There’s now growing demand for ships from non-Chinese shipyards as uncertainty looms around port access and expenses.

Behind the scenes, this policy is part of a broader strategy by President Donald Trump to revive America’s shipbuilding industry — a sector seen by many as essential to national security and economic resilience.