US Clarifies Details On New Port Fees For Chinese Vessels

Cranes at the Port of Oakland, CA at sunset
The Americas Corporate News Shipping Ports & Logistics Asia
By
Updated Published

US Customs has released further guidance on the new port fees for Chinese-linked ships, which are set to take effect next week.

The agency emphasized that the responsibility for determining and paying the fees lies with the vessel operator, not Customs itself. Ships arriving in the US without proof of payment may face serious consequences - including being denied unloading, clearance, or the ability to operate until documentation is verified.

Payments must be made through a US Treasury online portal, and operators are urged to complete transactions at least three days before arrival at a US port.

The new structure features three pricing tiers:

  • Annex 1: $50 per net ton for vessels owned or operated by Chinese entities.
  • Annex 2: Applies to Chinese-built vessels, requiring payment of either $18 per net ton or $120 per container unloaded - whichever is higher.
  • Annex 3: Applies to all non-US-built vehicle carriers (not limited to Chinese ones), with a $14 per net ton fee.

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers are exempt from these charges.

Operators will be required to complete the Section 301 Fee Payment Form online, which will calculate the exact fee after all required fields are filled in.

In response to the US measures, China has announced plans to retaliate. A decree signed by Premier Li Qiang states that the Chinese government will take “necessary countermeasures” against any country or region that imposes discriminatory bans, restrictions, or penalties targeting Chinese vessels, crews, or maritime service providers.