10月14日开征对华“入港费”！美国把贸易战烧到港口

Core Points - The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) will impose a "port entry fee" on Chinese or China-built vessels starting October 14, 2025, aimed at restructuring shipping and supply chain dependencies [2][5] - The fee structure includes three tiers: $50 per net ton (NT) for Chinese-operated vessels, $18 per NT or $120 per TEU for non-Chinese-operated but China-built vessels, and $14 per NT for foreign-built vehicle carriers [2][3] - Exemptions are available for U.S.-flagged vessels, certain MARAD project vessels, small vessels, and LNG carriers during a transition period [3][5] Policy Development - The policy was developed over 18 months, beginning with a "301 investigation" into China's shipping and logistics sectors in April 2024, leading to public hearings and a final decision in April 2025 [5][6] - The U.S. government aims to address perceived unfair practices by China in the maritime sector, reflecting a broader strategy to counter China's growing dominance in global shipping [7][8] Economic Impact - The new regulations are expected to add billions in costs to the global container shipping industry, with estimates suggesting an additional $3.2 billion in expenses for the top ten global shipping companies by 2026 [9][10] - Increased shipping costs may lead to a shift in trade patterns, with U.S. importers potentially stockpiling goods and Chinese exporters facing diminished competitive advantages [10][11] Operational Adjustments - Shipping companies are likely to restructure their operations, including optimizing vessel deployment and utilizing third-country transshipment to avoid fees [9][16] - The policy may lead to a tightening of shipping capacity and increased competition for available slots, particularly on traditional routes to the U.S. [14][16] Strategic Responses - Shipping firms may adopt various strategies to mitigate the impact of the new fees, such as changing vessels, altering shipping routes, and enhancing alliances for shared resources [16][18] - The long-term implications of the policy could reshape the global shipping landscape, creating a divide between companies focused on Western markets and those engaged in trade with developing countries [10][18]