Alphaliner has warned that the world’s largest container carriers could face up to $3.2 billion in port fees under new U.S. trade rules set to take effect in 2026. These fees, introduced by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), will apply to vessels linked to China—either through ownership or because they were built in China. The new charges are expected to significantly impact shipping routes, alliances, and cost structures across the global maritime industry.
COSCO Group faces the largest hit, with potential fees around $1.53 billion, followed by ZIM, ONE, and CMA CGM, all exposed to hundreds of millions in costs. Maersk expects minimal impact due to its limited use of Chinese-built ships.
The fees are based on vessel size and number of port calls, capped at five charges per vessel annually. Carriers are already reshuffling fleets, rerouting ships, and reconsidering charters to reduce exposure.
This new cost pressure could lead to higher freight rates, rerouted trade lanes, and changes in fleet ordering strategies. The fees start in late 2025, with full enforcement in 2026, and are set to significantly reshape maritime operations involving U.S. trade.
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Source: Alphaliner
