US-China Port Fee Suspension Offers Brief Respite in Maritime Tensions

The United States and China have agreed to suspend their reciprocal port fees on each other’s vessels for one year, according to an announcement from Beijing, marking a temporary easing of tensions in an ongoing maritime trade dispute.

Washington had imposed additional fees on ships connected to China arriving at US ports beginning October 14, as part of a broader investigation by the Office of the US Trade Representative into China’s influence in global shipbuilding and maritime industries. China’s Ministry of Commerce confirmed on Thursday that the US will postpone enforcement of these measures for a year.

The statement followed remarks from US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, who emphasized that the American administration remains committed to revitalizing its domestic shipbuilding sector. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Greer noted that efforts are focused on strengthening the industry, though he did not elaborate on discussions between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping regarding the fee suspension during their meeting in South Korea.

In recent months, international shipping has been disrupted by escalating retaliatory port fees imposed by both nations, contributing to higher freight costs. The port levies reflect a broader struggle for dominance in the maritime sector, with the US seeking to counter China’s growing shipbuilding power. As part of this strategy, Washington has entered into new cooperation agreements with Japan and South Korea aimed at bolstering its shipbuilding capabilities.

China has also taken its own retaliatory steps, recently sanctioning the US subsidiaries of South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean Co. on the grounds that they had supported Washington’s investigation into China’s maritime practices. Beijing has further stated that it will continue to examine US actions targeting its shipping industry.