Di Yi Cai Jing·2025-10-09 12:14Core Viewpoint - The recent U.S. measures to impose new port service fees on Chinese-owned, operated, or built vessels are expected to significantly impact the operational costs of Chinese shipping companies and shipyards, but the overall situation may not be as dire as anticipated [1][2][3] Impact on Shipping Costs and Rates - The new fee structure includes three categories: $50 per net ton for Chinese-owned or operated vessels, a minimum of $18 per net ton or $120 per container for Chinese-built vessels, and $14 per net ton for car carriers [2] - If strictly enforced, the measures could lead to substantial cost increases for Chinese shipping companies and may prompt some international shipping firms to relocate their headquarters away from regions like Hong Kong and Macau [2][3] - Alphaliner estimates that the U.S. measures could add $3.2 billion in costs for the top ten global shipping companies by 2026, with COSCO and OOCL bearing nearly half of this burden [3] Global Shipping Landscape - China's shipbuilding industry continues to dominate globally, holding over 40% of the market share, while the U.S. accounts for less than 1% [6] - The U.S. actions may inadvertently benefit shipyards in Japan and South Korea, as they could attract orders that might have gone to Chinese shipbuilders [6][7] - Despite concerns about new orders, China's strong supply chain and technological advantages are expected to maintain its leading position in shipbuilding [7] China's Response Strategies - China has enacted a revised International Shipping Regulations that allows for reciprocal measures against countries implementing discriminatory practices [8] - The Ministry of Commerce plans to collaborate with the EU, Japan, and South Korea to challenge the U.S. measures at the WTO, while the China Shipowners Association is working to establish an "International Shipping Fairness Alliance" [9] Industry Adjustments - Shipping companies are optimizing their fleets to mitigate the impact of the new fees, with some already implementing additional charges to offset rising costs [10][11] - The industry is also focusing on green ship technology development and expanding into markets along the Belt and Road Initiative to counterbalance the effects of reduced exports to the U.S. [11]