Measures affect ships linked to the 2 countries and increase disputes in global maritime trade
The United States and China began this Tuesday (October 14, 2025) to charge additional port fees on vessels linked to the other country. The measures reflect the increase in disputes between the world’s two largest economies and raise the risk of new distortions in global maritime trade.
The US tariffs affect ships operated, built or registered under the Chinese flag. In response, China levies special duties on U.S.-owned, operated, built or flagged vessels.
Analysts cited by the agency state that the dispute “traps both economies in a spiral of maritime taxation that threatens to distort global cargo flows.”
The US government had announced its rates on October 2 as part of an effort to “reduce China’s dominance over the global maritime industry” and encourage domestic shipbuilding.
Chinese state-owned Cosco Shipping Holdings is one of the companies most exposed to the new tariffs. Estimates from consultancy Clarksons indicate that the charge could affect around 13% of oil tankers, 11% of container ships and 15% of global oil transport capacity.
Beijing also imposed sanctions on foreign companies associated with the shipping sector and opened an investigation into practices considered discriminatory. In a statement, the Ministry of Commerce stated: “If the United States chooses confrontation, China will see it through to the end; if it chooses dialogue, the door will remain open.”
Experts consulted by Reuters claim that the dispute increases uncertainty on vital trade routes and could trigger new adjustments in maritime transport costs.
The President of the United States, (Republican Party), announced on Friday (10.Oct.2025) about products from China. The measure comes into force from November 1st and supersedes all fees currently charged on items imported from the Asian country. According to the Republican, it is a response to Beijing’s decision to carry out export controls on most of its products. On the Truth Social social network, Trump wants “help China, not harm it”.
On Monday (Oct 13), the Chinese government reinforced that it was against the USA. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian declared that the Americans failed to comply with the agreement reached between Trump and leader Xi Jinping in September. He stated that the US must go back on the new rate to restore the good relationship between governments. On the same day, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the relationship between the countries is good and that the 100% tariff does not need to happen.
