China begins charging port fees for US ships, exempts China-built ones

October 16, 2025
China has officially started collecting special port fees from U.S.-owned, operated, built, or flagged vessels on Tuesday but said Chinese-built ships would be exempted from the levies, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
The details published by CCTV clarify the specific provisions on exemptions, including for ships built by China, empty ships entering Chinese shipyards for repair, and other ships that are deemed exempted from payment.
Following the announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump said he was raising tariffs on Chinese imports to 100% from November 1 and imposing export controls on critical software in reprisal for China expanding its export limits on rare earth minerals.
The special port fees will be collected at the first port of entry on a single voyage or for the first five voyages within the year, CCTV said, adding that the annual billing cycle will begin on April 17.
Failure to pay the fees will lead to stalled import and export procedures for the ship, the state media said.

Source: Reuters reported by Liz Lee and Beijing newsroom; edited by Himani Sarkar and Tom Hogue

Related News.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

if you dont want to swim alone in the ocean of news, sign up for the newsletter, and you will receive daily all the important news of world shipping!

* indicates required
Consent *
By submitting this form you agree to receive Email Marketing

Design & Development by P.KAN.DESIGNER

Design & Development by P.KAN.DESIGNER

Privacy Preference Center