Trump government revised measure to protect owners from vessels that operate in the great lakes, the Caribbean and the American territories
The government of the President (Republican Party) announced on Thursday (17.abr.br.2025) that it will protect American exporters and vessel owners operating in the large lakes, the Caribbean and in the territories of the United States of port tariffs that would be charged from vessels built in China. The information is from the news agency.
The measure, published by the (US Commercial Representative Office) in (equivalent to the Brazilian), seeks to revitalize the American naval industry and contain the maritime domain of China.
The proposal was reduced compared to the February plan, which provided for rates of up to $ 1.5 million per scale for Chinese construction ships. The maritime sector, which carries about 80% of global trade, feared the original measure to face US exports and impose annual costs of about $ 30 billion for consumers.
“Ships and maritime transport are vital to American economic security and free flow of trade”Said Jamieson Greer, US commerce representative, quoted by Reuters.
“Trump administration actions will begin to reverse Chinese rule, face threats to the US supply chain and create demand for built ships in the country.”
The rates on Chinese ships are another point of tension that adds to the current trade war between the two largest economies in the world.
Main exemptions and adjustments
USTR granted the following exemptions:
- Ships that carry goods among domestic ports;
- Vessels that operate between American ports and the Caribbean islands or US territories;
- American and Canadian ships that dock in the ports of the great lakes;
- Empty vessels that arrive to carry exports such as wheat and soy.
American companies like AE benefited from the exemptions.
Gradual implementation schedule
The gradual implementation of port rates reflects the reality of the sector: American Naval Builders produce about 5 vessels a year, against more than 1,700 from China. Fees will be applied from October 14:
- For ships built in China and Chinese ownership: $ 50 per tonne, increasing $ 30 a year over the next 3 years;
- For ships built in China, but of non-chinese property: $ 18 per liquid ton, with annual increase of $ 5 in the same period.
For LNG (liquefied natural gas) conveyors, the schedule is even longer. They should carry 1% of US exports of LNG on built, operated and registered US ships within 4 years.
The actions of both the administration of the former president (Democratic Party) and Trump reflect a rare bipartisan consensus on the need to revitalize the American naval construction.
Union leaders and 2 of the 5 unions who requested the investigation from USTR, applauded the plan and said they were ready to work with Congress to revitalize domestic shipbuilding and create high quality jobs.
The American Apparel & Footwear Association) reiterated its opposition, stating that port rates and equipment proposed equipment will reduce trade and will result in higher prices for consumers.
USTR will hold an audience on May 19 to discuss proposed tariffs on load cranes, containers chassis and chassis pieces. China dominates the manufacture of port cranes, which USTR plans to tax in 100%.
