Beijing: China has announced the suspension of port-related fees on US-flagged vessels for a year and deferred an investigation into the effects of US sanctions on China's shipping, shipbuilding, and related supply chains. This decision, made public on Monday, marks a significant development in the ongoing trade negotiations between the two nations.
According to Kuwait News Agency, China Central Television (CCTV) cited the Ministry of Transport, stating that the suspension is part of the understandings reached during trade talks between China and the US in Kuala Lumpur last month. The Ministry revealed that it will not enforce October Notices No. 54 and 55 of 2025, which would have introduced special port fees on US vessels and initiated an inquiry into the impact of US Section No. 301 measures on China's maritime sector.
Initially, China had intended to levy charges on US-owned, US-operated, or US-registered vessels at a rate of 400 yuan (USD 56) per ton at ports through April 17, 2026. This fee was set to increase gradually to 1,120 yuan (USD 156) per ton by April 17, 2028, as a response to Washington's tariff policies.