The European Union has expressed concerns regarding the United States’ proposed port fees on Chinese ships, warning that these measures could disrupt global supply chains. The U.S. Trade Representative held public hearings recently on a proposal to impose fees of up to $1.5 million for vessels built or operated by Chinese companies entering U.S. ports. In its written submission to the USTR, the EU highlighted that such fees could result in logistical disruptions, increased costs, and longer delivery times. The bloc shared some of Washington’s concerns over unfair competition in the shipbuilding industry but cautioned that the repercussions of these fees may be severe and unjustified.
The EU noted that while the exact impact cannot be fully quantified yet, the potential negative consequences could be significant. Multiple sectors, including shipping companies, oil producers, and retailers, have raised alarms about the proposed fees. They warn that the measures could lead to higher freight costs and altered cargo flows, given that Chinese vessels constitute a substantial portion of global maritime trade. According to S&P Global Commodity Insights, Chinese-built ships account for nearly 30% of the world’s containership fleet and over 45% of the dry bulk fleet.
As Brussels prepares to launch policy packages aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of European shipping and marine industries later this year, it reiterates the need for cooperative engagement. The EU is committed to working with the U.S. and other like-minded partners to address challenges in the maritime sector without jeopardizing transatlantic trade relations. By pursuing mutually beneficial solutions aimed at resilience in shipbuilding and logistics, the EU hopes to tackle unfair practices while maintaining strong trade ties with the U.S.