The US plans to extend the suspension of additional port charges for Chinese ships by two months. The US Trade Representative (USTR) has launched a consultation process on this matter.
The US intends to continue suspending the additional port charges for Chinese ships for the time being. The US Trade Representative (USTR) is proposing to extend the existing regulation by two months until 9 January 2027. This is according to a notice published today in the US Federal Register. The suspension was originally due to end on 9 November.
Washington hopes this will buy more time for the ongoing trade talks with Beijing. The focus remains on the Chinese shipbuilding and logistics industries. The US government is particularly concerned about state support and what it considers to be unfair competitive conditions.
The US government had decided to impose the additional duties in April 2025 following an investigation under Section 301 of the US Trade Act. Among other things, this was intended to place a greater burden on Chinese shipping companies and vessels from Chinese shipyards when calling at US ports.
However, the measures were only applied on a temporary basis. Following a trade agreement between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Washington suspended the levies for one year from 10 November 2025. During this period, talks with China were to continue. At the same time, the US government intends to revitalise its own shipbuilding industry.
Decision on extension still pending
Should the USTR implement its proposal, no additional charges would be payable for the affected vessels from 10 November 2026 to 9 January 2027. Certain punitive tariffs provided for under the Section 301 measures would also remain suspended.
The extension has not yet been finalised. The USTR is accepting comments from companies, trade associations and other interested parties until 30 October.
For shipping companies calling at US ports with Chinese vessels, the extension would provide some relief, at least in the short term. It remains to be seen whether the charges will actually be reintroduced in January.
