US, China Begin Reciprocal Port Fee Measures
On October 14, 2025, both the United States and China implemented reciprocal port fees on each other’s vessels, intensifying their ongoing trade and maritime disputes.
Under the new rules, the U.S. will impose fees on ships that are built, owned, or operated by Chinese companies. In retaliation, China has introduced charges on U.S.-flagged, built, owned, or operated vessels, while offering exemptions to Chinese-built ships and vessels entering Chinese shipyards for repairs.
Strategic Impacts
The move is expected to raise shipping costs significantly and could disrupt established maritime routes. Industry experts say global operators may consider rerouting or altering logistics chains to avoid the extra charges. Shipping giant COSCO is anticipated to bear a considerable share of the impact, while U.S. carriers may face difficulties accessing Chinese ports.
This escalation reflects how trade tensions are now spilling into maritime operations, posing risks of wider turmoil in global supply chains and adding fresh uncertainty to international commerce.
