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美对华海运业发动“301条款”,或导向一个讽刺性局面
Hu Xiu·2025-04-24 02:35

Core Points - The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced the results of the 301 investigation into China's shipping, logistics, and shipbuilding industries, detailing new fee structures for Chinese shipping companies and vessels built in China [1][3]. Implementation Details - The implementation of the new measures will occur in two phases: the first phase will take effect in 180 days, imposing fees on Chinese shipowners and operators, as well as on non-U.S. shipping companies using vessels built in China. The fee structure will vary based on the type of vessel, calculated by net tonnage, with a maximum of five charges per year [3][4]. - The second phase, effective in three years, will impose fees on non-U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels docking at U.S. ports, with rates increasing annually. The latest version of the proposal includes a 180-day buffer and narrows the scope of applicable vessels, enhancing the focus on China [4][5]. Industry Reactions - Industry leaders, such as Andrew Abbott, CEO of Atlantic Container Line (ACL), have expressed strong opposition to the legislation, indicating that it could force their company to exit the U.S. market due to the predominance of Chinese-built vessels in their fleet [5][6]. - Despite ACL's unique situation, the overall share of Chinese-built vessels in the global fleet is relatively low, with only 23% of the current fleet being constructed in China [6][7]. Market Statistics - According to Clarkson's data, Chinese-built container ships account for 39% of the global container fleet, while the order book for container ships in 2024 shows China with a 69% share, indicating a significant increase in new orders [7][9]. - The U.S. container shipping market exports approximately 13.9 million TEUs annually and imports 34 million TEUs, representing about 22.5% of global container shipping trade [12]. Cost Implications - If the new fees are implemented, the cost per container for routes from the U.S. West Coast could increase by $450 to $550, while East Coast routes may see increases of $200 to $300, representing significant percentages of current freight rates [13][17]. - Historical trends suggest that shipping companies are likely to pass these additional costs onto consumers, potentially leading to a market environment similar to that experienced during the pandemic [17]. Comparative Analysis - The U.S. container shipping market's dynamics are compared to the Russian market, which has faced similar external pressures. The U.S. market is expected to maintain supply levels, unlike the drastic changes seen in Russia following the Ukraine conflict [19][21]. - The differences in market size and operational structures between the U.S. and Russia highlight the potential for U.S. shipping companies to adapt rather than exit the market entirely [20][23]. Strategic Opportunities - The 301 legislation may inadvertently create strategic opportunities for Chinese shipping and shipbuilding industries, as market gaps left by exiting foreign companies could be filled by domestic firms [35][36]. - The potential restructuring of the U.S. shipping market could lead to increased market share for Chinese companies, particularly in logistics and shipping services [38][39]. Regulatory Implications - The legislation highlights the inefficacy of current international shipping governance systems, as it may lead to a decrease in the competitiveness of Chinese-built vessels in the global market [40][41]. - China is encouraged to develop its own regulatory framework to counteract the effects of the U.S. legislation, focusing on establishing standards that could enhance its competitive position in the shipping and shipbuilding sectors [43][44].