US Imposes Port Tariffs on Chinese-Owned Ships, Shaking Global Shipping

The US Trade Representative has announced port tariffs on ships that are Chinese-owned or operated, as part of the Section 301 investigation into China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. While Chinese-built vessels operated by non-Chinese companies remain largely exempt, the new fees take effect from October 14, 2025, and will rise over the next three years.

The tariffs are expected to have a limited impact on crude tankers, as most Chinese-owned crude vessels operate east of the Suez Canal, and exemptions cover Chinese-built ships under foreign operation. Medium Range (MR2) product tankers, however, could face significant repercussions since over 20% of the MR2 fleet is Chinese-owned or operated, and the US is a key market for gasoline imports and diesel exports.

Analysts note that some Chinese-linked vessels have already exited the Atlantic region due to these measures, while shipping rates remain largely rangebound. The tariffs aim to support US shipbuilding and reduce China’s dominance in global maritime sectors amid ongoing trade tensions.