China announced plans on Friday to impose special port fees on US ships calling at Chinese ports, in retaliation for similar fees imposed by the Trump administration on Chinese vessels.
The Chinese Ministry of Transportation said on Friday that the fees will apply to vessels owned by US companies, organizations, or individuals. Vessels in which US entities hold 25% or more ownership and those flying the US flag will also be subject to the special fees.
Starting October 14, affected vessels calling at Chinese ports will be charged a fee of 400 yuan ($56) per net ton.
The fees will increase in stages over the following years, rising to 640 yuan per net ton on April 17, 2026, then to 880 yuan on April 17, 2027, and finally to 1,120 yuan on April 17, 2028.
The escalating fee structure represents a direct response from China to the Trump administration's previous decision to impose similar fees on Chinese vessels entering US ports
