Simplified: Interpretation of New Sino-US Port Fee Policies

Since October 2025, new Sino-US port fee policies have reshaped cross-border logistics. For Sino-US logistics firms, mastering policy details, predicting market shifts, and making flexible plans are key to risk mitigation and competitiveness. This simplified version highlights core insights.

I. Core Policy Details

(I) U.S. Targeted Port Fees

1. Timeline: Launched by U.S. CBP in October 2025, effective October 14 (no transition period).
2. Rules: Fees are based on "China-built tonnage," calculated by ocean carriers. Chinese-funded shipping firms (e.g., COSCO) face higher rates; specific premium unclear.
3. Uncertainties: No clarity on tonnage calculation standards, payment processes, or overdue penalties.

(II) China’s Retaliatory Policy Prep

1. Timeline: Shipping Law revised in early October 2025 (implemented in early Oct) to add "special fee collection" and "ship operation restrictions."
2. Rules: For countries with discriminatory policies harming China, measures include dynamic "special fees" and limited port access for relevant ships.
3. Uncertainties: No details on fee targets, rates, or trigger conditions, but "reciprocal response" signals worry firms about two-way cost hikes.

II. Key Industry Challenges

1. Cost & Quotation Risks: Unclear U.S. tonnage rules and potential Chinese special fees make cost calculation hard, disrupting stable quotations.
2. Supply Chain Instability: Non-Chinese carriers adjust capacity (e.g., fewer China-built ships, route changes), causing uneven capacity and possible delays.
3. Customer Communication Pressures: Firms must explain cost / 时效 changes to clients. While COSCO promises short-term stability, balancing costs and service long-term is tough.

III. Practical Response Strategies

1. Compliance First: Form teams to track policy updates; organize ship construction records and negotiate flexible leasing terms.
2. Cost Control: Build dynamic cost models (including tonnage, fuel, exchange rates); explore multimodal transport (e.g., China-Mexico-U.S. sea-land routes).
3. Customer Collaboration: Send regular policy reports; offer customized plans. Upgrade supply chain visualization to alert clients of delays and alternatives.

IV. Market Outlook

• Short-Term: Fluctuations (lower demand, port congestion) during policy adaptation.
• Long-Term: Industry consolidation (small firms eliminated), faster digital transformation (AI cost tools, blockchain), and optimized regional networks (e.g., China-Southeast Asia-U.S.).

Logistics firms are vital to Sino-US trade. Proactive adaptation helps turn challenges into opportunities. For tailored support , contact our team.