Chinese Ministry of Transport Announces Retaliatory Measures Effective October 14, 2025
In a direct response to new U.S. port fees targeting Chinese maritime interests, China’s Ministry of Transport has announced countermeasures that will take effect on October 14, 2025. These measures include the special China port fees of RMB 400 per gross ton (GT) for vessels linked to American entities arriving at Chinese ports.
⚖️ What Ships Will Be Affected?
- Ships owned or operated by U.S. companies, organizations, or individuals.
- Ships in which U.S. entities hold a direct or indirect stake of 25% or more, including board representation or voting rights.
- Ships managed by organizations under U.S. control.
- Ships flying the U.S. flag and built in American shipyards.
📅 Implementation Details
- Start Date: October 14, 2025 (same as the U.S. measures).
- Fee Amount: RMB 400 per GT, rounded up to the nearest whole ton.
- Collection: Local port authorities will collect the fees at the point of entry or operation.
🧮 How the Fees Are Calculated
The fees are based on the gross tonnage (GT) of each vessel. If the tonnage includes a fraction less than one, it will be rounded up to the next whole number. For example, a ship with 9.6 GT will be charged as if it has 10 GT, resulting in a fee of RMB 4,000.
🛑 Background: U.S. Section 301 Investigation
On April 17, 2025, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced new tariffs under Section 301, targeting China’s shipping, port, and shipbuilding industries. These include port service fees for Chinese-owned or Chinese-built vessels entering U.S. ports.
China’s Ministry of Transport condemned the U.S. actions as a serious violation of international trade principles and maritime agreements between the two nations. The ministry emphasized that these retaliatory fees are a legitimate measure to protect the interests of Chinese shipping companies.
🌍 Impact on Global Maritime Trade
The tit-for-tat escalation between the U.S. and China is expected to disrupt bilateral maritime trade, increase operational costs for shipping companies, and potentially shift demand toward non-U.S. and non-Chinese vessels. Analysts warn that these fees could add millions in annual costs for global shipping firms.
The Maritime-Hub Editorial Team
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Maritime-Hub. Readers are advised to research this information before making decisions based on it.
