U.S. Finalizes New Port Fees Targeting Chinese Maritime Dominance
Southern Star Navigation | Your Guide Through Every Global Shift in Shipping 📞 Call us at 833-782-7628 Ext. 1 for help understanding how this affects your freight. Bethany 🌎 Gabbett
What’s Going On?
On April 17, 2025, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) officially finalized a big change in how certain ships are charged when they enter U.S. ports. This is part of a broader effort to push back against China’s control over shipbuilding and shipping, and to revitalize American shipbuilding.
The new policy introduces a phased-in port fee system and export restrictions, mostly aimed at:
- Chinese-owned or Chinese-operated vessels
- Ships built in China (even if not owned by a Chinese company)
- Non-U.S. car carrier ships
- LNG exports that aren’t transported on U.S.-built vessels (starting in 2028)
📝 Official Document Source: 👉 USTR Action FRN 4-17 PDF
Before & After: What Changed?
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of the original proposal and what the final rules actually say:
In Simple Words: What Does This Mean for Shippers?
Starting October 14, 2025, if a vessel is Chinese-built or Chinese-owned, it’s going to cost more to use it in U.S. ports. The same goes for vehicle carriers that aren’t built in the U.S.
Each type of ship will only be charged one fee per U.S. voyage (not at every port). The fees go up every year through 2028.
And starting in 2028, at least 1% of all U.S. LNG exports must be on U.S.-built ships, rising to 15% by 2047.
Timeline Snapshot
Now – Oct 13, 2025 – Grace Period (No fees yet)
Oct 14, 2025 – Fees Begin (Annex I–III)
Apr 2026–2028 – Annual Fee Increases
Apr 17, 2028 – 1% LNG exports must be on U.S.-built ships
2047 – LNG export U.S.-ship requirement hits 15%
Who’s Exempt?
These vessels will not be charged:
- U.S.-owned or U.S.-flagged ships in national defense programs
- Ships arriving empty or without cargo
- Small vessels under 4,000 TEUs or 55,000 deadweight tons
- Ships on short journeys (under 2,000 nautical miles)
- Specialized export vessels (like chemical tankers)
- “Laker” vessels operating on the Great Lakes
Finalized USTR Port Fees – Annex Breakdown
Risks for Importers & Exporters
What to Watch Out For
- Higher costs for China-linked shipping
- Potential port call reductions (especially at smaller ports)
- Fewer vessel options for LNG, auto, and container freight
Smart Moves You Can Make
Strategic Opportunities
- Use fee-exempt or U.S.-built vessels where possible
- Take advantage of 3-year waivers for future U.S.-built ship orders
- Plan around “1 fee per voyage” rule to reduce cost stacking
- Explore alternate ports and routings now—before peak season hits
Quick Compliance Checklist
- Are your carriers Chinese-owned or operated?
- Are you using Chinese-built vessels?
- Are your car carriers U.S.-built?
- Are you budgeting for new shipping costs?
- Have you explored fee-suspension strategies?
Let’s go through it together – we’re ready to help.
How Southern Star Navigation Can Help
At Southern Star Navigation – Independent Landstar Agent, we’re here to guide you through the ripple effects of these rule changes. Our team is already helping clients:
- Identify alternative compliant routes
- Avoid vessels that trigger the new fees
- Review documentation to ensure compliance
- Develop cost-effective long-term shipping strategies
Final Thoughts
The U.S. just took a bold step to challenge China’s dominance in maritime shipping. This is more than a fee—it’s a reset. As the dust settles, the businesses that act now will have the upper hand.
Let us help you stay ahead of the curve. Stay informed. Stay flexible. Stay ahead—with Southern Star Navigation by your side.