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From 14 October 2025, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) will officially implement new port fees on vessels originating from China calling at US ports. This policy shift is creating significant turbulence in the international shipping market, directly affecting both costs and delivery schedules for businesses.
According to the USTR, the new port fee scheme will apply from 14 October 2025 to vessels owned, operated, or built in China:
- For the first 180 days, the fee will be set at USD 0 to allow for an adjustment period.
- Thereafter, charges will begin at USD 50 per Net Tonnage (NT) and gradually increase to USD 140/NT by 2028. Each vessel will be subject to a maximum of five charges per year when calling at US ports.
For vessels only built in China, the fee will be calculated using the higher of two methods: net tonnage or container volume. The container-based fee will start at USD 120/container in 2025, rising to USD 250/container by 2028.
The policy is designed to restrict the competitive advantage of Chinese vessels on the US trade lane.
Strong Market Volatility
As early as August 2025, several carriers withdrew China-built vessels from US services to avoid the new fees, triggering a surge in Asia–US freight rates. By 11 September 2025, rates eased again as carriers adjusted their deployment strategies. These fluctuations make it increasingly difficult for businesses to maintain schedules and control logistics costs.
Industry experts predict continued volatility in the early phase of the new policy.
Vantage Logistics: Helping Customers Navigate Change
In response to these regulatory changes and market disruptions, Vantage Logistics is committed to supporting customers with tailored international shipping solutions, including:
- Advisory on transport strategies during the new fee implementation period.
- Alternative routing and carrier selection to reduce risks.
- Streamlined customs procedures to help maintain schedules and control costs.
With a global network and more than 23 years of multimodal logistics experience, Vantage Logistics is ready to help businesses adapt quickly, secure supply chain stability, and manage costs effectively.
Contact us today for expert advice and customised transport solutions!
