美国征收“入港费”也让日本忧虑

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. government is delaying the implementation of port fees for foreign-built car carriers from October to December, which may act as a hidden tariff on automobiles for Japanese shipping companies and manufacturers [2][4]. Group 1: Port Fee Details - The U.S. will charge a port fee of $46 per net ton for foreign-built car carriers, with the actual collection starting on December 10 [4][6]. - The fee is based on the "net tonnage" of the car carrier, which for large vessels carrying 7,000 to 7,500 cars is approximately 22,000 to 23,000 tons, resulting in fees exceeding $1 million [4][6]. - The fee structure has changed multiple times, initially proposed at $150 per vehicle, then adjusted to $14 per net ton, and finally set at $46 per net ton [5][6]. Group 2: Impact on Japanese Shipping Companies - Japanese shipping companies, including Nippon Yusen, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, hold a 40% share of the global car carrier market, making them significantly affected by the new fees [7][8]. - Nippon Yusen operates 127 car carriers, with about 30% of their cargo related to the U.S. market, indicating a substantial impact on their operations [7]. - The company is currently negotiating with automobile manufacturers on how to share the burden of the new port fees [9]. Group 3: Broader Trade Implications - The U.S. port fee is part of a broader strategy to counteract perceived unfair support for the Chinese shipbuilding industry, which accounts for 50% of global shipbuilding capacity [11]. - The fee structure was initially aimed at ships built in China but has since expanded to include all foreign vessels, indicating a wider impact on international trade dynamics [11][13]. - China has responded with its own measures, including a special port fee on U.S. vessels and sanctions against U.S. companies linked to investigations into Chinese shipbuilding practices [13].