Additional Information Update（2025/11/11）
We would like to inform you of the following newly obtained information:
1. Temporary Suspension of China’s Special Port Dues
Starting from 13:01 (Beijing Time) on November 10, 2025, the collection of China’s Special Port Dues on vessels related to the United States will be suspended for one year.
2. Background
This measure is based on the agreement reached during the 2025 China-U.S. Kuala Lumpur Economic and Trade Talks.
It is linked to the U.S. side’s suspension of final actions under the Section 301 investigation targeting China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding industries.
U.S. Side (Special Fees on Chinese Vessels under Section 301 Measures):
- Suspension Start: November 10, 2025 (Monday) (effective immediately after the announcement on Sunday night, U.S. time)
- Background: The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced the suspension on November 9 (U.S. time), freezing measures under the Section 301 investigation targeting Chinese vessels and maritime-related sectors for one year. The White House had previously disclosed a provisional agreement on November 1, with formal implementation beginning November 10.
China Side (Special Port Dues on U.S.-Related Vessels):
- Suspension Start: November 10, 2025 at 13:01 (Beijing Time) (synchronized with the U.S. suspension)
- Background: The Ministry of Transport of China announced the suspension earlier the same day. The special port dues applied to vessels owned or operated by U.S. companies, organizations, or individuals will be suspended for one year. Additionally, the impact assessment of the U.S. Section 301 investigation (Document No. 55) will also be frozen. The “13:01 on November 10” mentioned by the user corresponds to this (Beijing Time).
3. Items to Be Suspended
- Collection of Special Port Dues on U.S. vessels (Announcement No. 54 of 2025)
- Notification on the Implementation Method of Special Port Dues (Announcement No. 59 of 2025)
- Launch of the impact assessment on the shipping, shipbuilding, and related supply chain industries (Announcement No. 55 of 2025)
4. Duration
The suspension period is one year.
On October 14, 2025, the Ministry of Transport of China announced the implementation measures for the collection of Special Port Dues on U.S.-linked vessels. This system is based on the amended "Regulations of the People's Republic of China on International Maritime Transportation" and is intended to protect China's maritime industry. Below is a summary of the applicable vessels, fees, procedures, and exemptions.
１．Applicable Vessels (U.S.-Linked Vessels)
A vessel is considered “U.S.-linked” and subject to Special Port Dues if it meets any of the following criteria:
① Owned by U.S. enterprises, organizations, or individuals
② Operated by U.S. enterprises, organizations, or individuals
③ Owned or operated by entities in which U.S. enterprises, organizations, or individuals hold 25% or more equity, voting rights, or board seats
④ Flying the flag of the United States
⑤ Built in the United States
２． Special Port Dues Rates (per Net Ton)
| Berthing Date | Rate (RMB) |
|---|---|
| On or after Oct 14, 2025 | RMB 400 / Net Ton |
| On or after Apr 17, 2026 | RMB 640 / Net Ton |
| On or after Apr 17, 2027 | RMB 880 / Net Ton |
| On or after Apr 17, 2028 | RMB 1,120 / Net Ton |
Note: Any fraction of 1 Net Ton is counted as 1 Net Ton.
３． Reporting Requirements
Who Must Report:
- The vessel or its agent
Reporting Authority:
- The maritime administrative authority at the first Chinese port of call
Deadline:
- 7 days before arrival at the first Chinese port
- If the voyage is less than 7 days, report upon departure from the last port
Required Information:
- Country of build, flag state, owner, operator, charter status, and intended ports of call
- Must be submitted using the “Reporting Form of U.S.-Linked Vessel Information”
４． Exemptions
Vessels may be exempt from Special Port Dues if they meet one of the following conditions:
- Vessels falling under items 1–4 above but built in China
- Vessels entering Chinese shipyards for repairs in ballast (without cargo)
- Other vessels recognized by the maritime authority as eligible for exemption
５． Annual Limits and Billing Cycle
- Each vessel is subject to Special Port Dues for no more than five voyages per year
- Subsequent voyages are exempt upon presentation of proof of payment
- Annual billing cycle starts on April 17 each year
６． Consequences of Non-Payment
- Vessels that fail to pay the Special Port Dues in full will not be granted entry or exit formalities
- Any unpaid dues must be settled before the vessel’s next call at a Chinese port
Comments
0 comments
Please sign in to leave a comment.