China Amends Maritime Law, Prepares Retaliation Ahead of US Port Fees on Chinese Vessels

Beijing Responds to Looming US Tariffs

Beijing has announced retaliatory measures in response to the United States Trade Representative's (USTR) impending port fees on Chinese-built vessels and carriers. China's state news agency, Xinhua, reported amendments to international maritime transport regulations, which took effect on September 28, 2025. This development signals a significant escalation in trade tensions between the two economic powers, particularly within the crucial global shipping industry.

USTR's Port Fees Detailed

The USTR's decision to impose new port fees stems from a year-long Section 301 investigation, initiated in April 2024, which concluded that 'China's targeting of the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors for dominance is unreasonable and burdens or restricts U.S. commerce'. The final notice of action was issued on April 17, 2025, with the fees scheduled to commence on October 14, 2025. The fee structure is multi-tiered:

• For Chinese-owned or operated vessels, fees will begin at $50 per net tonne per string of US port calls, escalating to $140 by 2028. For instance, a 10,000 TEU containership (approximately 70,000 net tonnes) could face fees ranging from $3.5 million to $9.8 million over three years.
• For Chinese-built vessels (even if owned by non-Chinese entities), fees will be assessed based on the higher of $18 per net ton or $120 per container, increasing to $33 per net ton or $250 per container over three years. These fees are initially set at $0 for the first 180 days, becoming active on October 14, 2025.
• Foreign-built vehicle carriers will incur a fee of $150 per Car Equivalent Unit (CEU).

These measures are intended by Washington to address perceived distortions and unfair practices in the global shipping and shipbuilding sectors.

China's Countermeasures Take Effect

In a direct response, China's State Council, under a decree signed by Premier Li Qiang, revised its Regulations of the People's Republic of China on International Maritime Transport. The updated regulations empower Beijing to implement 'necessary countermeasures' against any country or region that imposes 'discriminatory bans, restrictions, or similar measures' targeting Chinese operators, vessels, or crew. These potential countermeasures include:

• Charging special port fees on vessels from the 'offending country' when calling at Chinese ports.
• Prohibiting or restricting ships from entering or leaving Chinese ports.
• Denying foreign organizations and individuals access to shipping data and services related to China's international maritime transport.

While the revised regulations do not explicitly name the United States, the timing and context clearly indicate they are a direct response to the upcoming USTR fees. Analysts suggest that US-flagged vessels or those owned by US companies, such as Matson, could be potential targets of these new Chinese restrictions.

Implications for Global Shipping

The reciprocal actions underscore a deepening trade dispute between the world's two largest economies. The introduction of these fees and retaliatory measures is expected to significantly impact trans-Pacific shipping routes, potentially increasing operational costs for carriers and further complicating global supply chains. Both sides maintain their actions are aimed at protecting national interests and ensuring fair trade practices, setting the stage for continued volatility in the international maritime sector.