全球汽车运输船企业摸索“脱美”

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the impact of the U.S. government's new automobile tariffs on the shipping industry, particularly Japanese shipping companies, and highlights a shift towards China as a potential market due to uncertainties in U.S. port fees and trade policies [2][5]. Group 1: U.S. Tariff Impact - The U.S. began imposing a port fee of $46 per ton on foreign-made automobile transport ships starting October 14, which significantly affects Japanese shipping companies operating many such vessels [5]. - Following a U.S.-China summit on October 30, the U.S. decided to suspend the collection of this port fee for one year, but the risk of its future reinstatement remains [2][5]. Group 2: Japanese Shipping Industry Response - Japanese shipping companies, including Nippon Yusen and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, operate 127 automobile transport ships, accounting for over 40% of the global fleet, with this segment contributing 20-50% to their consolidated sales [5]. - Due to the uncertainty surrounding U.S. policies, the shipping industry is exploring opportunities in China, which is seeing a rise in automobile exports, particularly in electric and hybrid vehicles [6]. Group 3: Market Trends and Future Outlook - According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), China's automobile exports are projected to reach 5.85 million units in 2024, a 19% year-on-year increase, driven by the growth of new energy vehicles [6]. - While some Japanese shipping companies are cautious and focus on existing contracts, they are also looking to capture new market demands, such as exports from India to Africa and the Middle East [6].