- China’s Ministry of Transport confirmed that vessels built in China will be exempt from new port fees imposed on US-linked ships.
- The exemption aims to prevent freight rate hikes and maintain shipping capacity amid reciprocal measures between the US and China.
- Additional relief includes temporary and partial fee reductions for vessels meeting environmental or construction criteria.
- The new fees, starting at Yuan 400 per net ton from Oct. 14, will increase gradually through 2028, with compliance verified through ownership audits.
China’s Ministry of Transport has announced that ships built in China will be exempt from newly imposed port fees targeting US-linked vessels. The decision aims to ease industry concerns over potential freight rate increases and maintain stability in maritime operations between the two nations. The update follows the ministry’s recent announcement of additional charges on vessels with US ownership or operation ties, introduced in response to similar US measures against Chinese ships, as reported by S&P Global Commodity Insights.
Fee Exemption and Implementation Details
Under the new policy, Chinese-built vessels will not be required to pay the special port fees, alongside other exemptions for ships entering Chinese shipyards for repairs or those specifically approved by authorities. The regulation allows a temporary exemption for shipowners who have signed contracts to build vessels in China, provided they meet domestic classification and equipment localization standards. Partial fee reductions are also available—up to 50% for ships with pre-existing non-adjustable fee clauses and up to 10% for those using shore power or meeting carbon intensity targets. The fees, which begin at Yuan 400 ($56.16) per net metric ton, will gradually increase over the next three years. According to the ministry’s draft guidelines, enforcement will involve verification of ownership and control structures to ensure compliance, with the policy subject to review after its initial 12-month implementation period.
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Source: S&P Global
