On April 17, 2025, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) issued Section 301 investigation measures against China's maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. Effective October 14, 2025, additional port service fees will be levied on vessels owned or operated by Chinese companies, Chinese-flagged vessels, and Chinese-built vessels. This constitutes a serious violation of international trade principles and the China-US Maritime Transport Agreement, severely disrupting maritime trade between China and the US.
In accordance with the "Regulations of the People's Republic of China on International Maritime Transport" and other laws and regulations, as well as basic principles of international law, and with the approval of the State Council, effective October 14, 2025, the maritime administration authorities of the ports of call will be responsible for collecting special port fees for vessels owned or operated by US companies, other organizations, or individuals; vessels operated by US companies, other organizations, or individuals; vessels owned or operated by companies or other organizations in which US companies, other organizations, or individuals directly or indirectly hold 25% or more of the equity (voting rights, board seats); vessels flying the US flag; and vessels built in the US. The relevant matters are announced as follows:
1. For the above-mentioned vessels, special port dues will be charged on a voyage-by-voyage basis, implemented in phases. The specific collection rates are as follows (vehicles less than 1 net ton will be rounded up to 1 net ton).
(1) Starting from October 14, 2025, a charge of RMB 400 per net ton will be collected;
(2) Starting from April 17, 2026, a charge of RMB 640 per net ton will be collected;
(3) Starting from April 17, 2027, a charge of RMB 880 per net ton will be collected;
(4) Starting from April 17, 2028, a charge of RMB 1,120 per net ton will be collected.
2. If a vessel calls at multiple Chinese ports on the same voyage, the special port dues will only be paid at the first port of call. Subsequent ports of call will not be charged. The same vessel may be charged special port dues for no more than five voyages in a year.
3. The Ministry will formulate specific implementation measures.
Ministry of Transport
October 10, 2025
