Core Viewpoint - The announcement by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection marks a significant escalation in the geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China, extending competition from technology and trade to logistics, with a new differentiated fee policy targeting Chinese vessels starting October 14 [1][3]. Group 1: U.S. Policy Details - The U.S. has implemented a tiered fee system, charging $50 per net ton for vessels owned or operated by Chinese companies, $18 per net ton or $120 per container for ships built in China, and a uniform fee for foreign car carriers, indicating a strategic intent to curb China's export of electric vehicles [1][3][7]. - The policy includes exemptions for liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers and allows shipowners who have ordered new vessels in the U.S. to receive up to three years of exemption, reflecting a complex balancing of interests [3][7]. Group 2: China's Response - China has proactively amended its International Shipping Regulations to include countermeasures against discriminatory restrictions, showcasing strategic foresight in the face of U.S. pressure [3][7]. - The Chinese response is characterized as a "systemic counterattack," preparing the groundwork for reciprocal measures such as imposing special fees and restricting U.S. vessels from entering ports [7][9]. Group 3: Long-term Implications - The U.S. fee strategy is seen as a precise attack on China's dual status as the largest shipbuilding and shipping nation, aiming to increase costs for Chinese shipyards and weaken their global competitiveness [7][9]. - Despite China's robust countermeasures, the impact will be gradual due to the inertia of the global shipping industry and the significant sunk costs associated with existing orders at Chinese shipyards [9][11]. - The potential annual loss of over $5 billion in U.S. agricultural exports due to increased port fees highlights the indirect effects of the U.S. policy, which may take time to translate into domestic political pressure [9][11]. Group 4: Strategic Landscape - The ongoing maritime competition is described as a "war of attrition," where the effectiveness of responses will depend on the strategic patience and industrial foundations of both nations [11][13]. - China's significant share in the global commercial shipbuilding market and its extensive port network provide a strong basis for its shipping industry, while the U.S. faces challenges due to the hollowing out of its shipbuilding sector [11][13].
美国征费重击中国造船业,中国反击措施以牙还牙,但不会立竿见影
Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-10-10 16:03