BUSINESS

China to Hit U.S. Ships With Retaliatory Fees

Published: Oct. 10, 2025 7:11 p.m. GMT+8

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China will impose special port fees on U.S.-linked vessels starting next week, escalating a tit-for-tat trade dispute after Washington announced charges on ships owned, built or operated by Chinese companies.

The fees, approved by the State Council, will apply to vessels owned or operated by U.S. companies, organizations and individuals, China’s Ministry of Transport announced Friday. Ships where U.S. entities hold a stake of 25% or more, U.S.-flagged vessels, and ships built in the U.S. will also be subject to the fees.

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China will impose special port fees on U.S.-linked vessels starting next week, mirroring recent U.S. fees on Chinese ships after an ongoing trade dispute.
China’s fees start at 400 yuan ($56) per net ton per voyage and will rise annually to 1,120 yuan by April 2028, capped at five voyages per year per vessel.
The measures target a small portion of the global fleet, mainly affecting U.S. carrier Matson, with limited immediate impact on broader shipping.

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Who’s Who

Matson: The article identifies Matson (美森) as the primary target of China's new retaliatory port fees. It is the largest U.S. shipping company, ranking 29th globally in container capacity with 29 vessels. Its flagship vessel, Daniel K. Inouye, could face significant charges, potentially exceeding 100 million yuan annually by 2028, depending on its service frequency.

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What Happened When

April 2025：: The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced it would impose port fees on vessels owned or operated by Chinese companies, as well as ships built in China.