US may delay reinstatement of port fees on China-linked vessels until 2027

The United States has proposed extending the suspension of port fees targeting China-linked vessels for another two months, until January 9, 2027. The current suspension of measures introduced under Section 301 of US trade law is set to expire on November 9, 2026. If approved, the fees would remain suspended from November 10 through January 9, allowing Washington and Beijing more time to negotiate their trade disputes in the maritime sector.

The measures target vessels owned or operated by Chinese companies or built at Chinese shipyards, as well as certain categories of foreign-built vehicle carriers. If the suspension expires, additional charges for these vessels calling at US ports could be reinstated. This would create risks of higher international shipping costs, including for grain, soybeans, vegetable oils and other agricultural commodities exported from the United States.

The US began collecting port fees on China-linked vessels on October 14, 2025, but suspended them from November 10 under trade agreements between the two countries. China also temporarily suspended its retaliatory fees on US-linked vessels. However, there has been no confirmation that Beijing will extend its own suspension for a similar period.

For US agricultural exports, a further suspension of the fees could be significant, as additional port call charges may affect freight costs and the competitiveness of American products in global markets. This is particularly relevant for bulk commodities, including grains and oilseeds, where transportation costs are an important component of the final price. Maintaining the current arrangements would help avoid additional fee-related costs for some maritime shipments in the coming months.

Meanwhile, US lawmakers and representatives of the shipbuilding industry continue to push for the reinstatement of the fees to support domestic shipbuilding. According to estimates cited by US senators, Chinese shipyards account for more than half of global commercial vessel production, while the US share stands at approximately 0.1%. A final decision on extending the suspension has not yet been confirmed, and future maritime trade conditions will depend on the outcome of negotiations between Washington and Beijing.

Tags: China, USA