Potential port fees in the US may significantly impact the dry bulk trade and the availability of vessels. According to trade data from VesselsValue, there were 3,150 dry bulk port calls in the US during the first quarter of 2025, involving 1,609 dry bulk carriers.
Chinese-built vessels represented the largest portion at 45%, while Japanese-built vessels accounted for 41%. South Korean and US vessels made up only 6% and 1%, respectively.
If substantial port fees are imposed on the Chinese fleet, the volume of Chinese vessels trading to and from the US is likely to decline. This would place additional pressure on Japanese and South Korean carriers, as the US fleet would not be able to fill the gap left by reduced Chinese tonnage.
The overall impact could lead to heightened freight costs due to the limited availability of vessels. On April 9th, Reuters reported that the Trump administration is re-evaluating the proposed fees because of significant backlash from various industries.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated at a Senate Finance Committee hearing that not all proposed fees may be enacted and that they may not be cumulative. There is a possibility of adopting a less burdensome port fee system aimed at mitigating the impact on US businesses, which would offer some relief to shipowners of Chinese-built vessels.
Nonetheless, on the same day, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at strengthening the US shipbuilding industry, promising substantial investments into the sector. The US Trade Representative is expected to announce its decision on the port fees on April 17th, but these fees could take effect as late as November, making this a critical issue to watch closely.