October 1st, 2026 – U.S. port-entry fees targeting China-linked and Chinese-built vessels are currently scheduled to resume November 10th, 2026, despite the broader U.S.-China trade truce being extended into January 2027.
The maritime fees were suspended for one year beginning November 10th, 2025, following a U.S.-China trade agreement. Under the existing U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) notice, that suspension expires at 11:59 p.m. ET on November 9th, 2026. Unless USTR issues a new modification, the fees would therefore become applicable again November 10th.
The fees stem from USTR’s Section 301 investigation into China’s maritime, logistics and shipbuilding policies and are designed to address the country’s role in those sectors. The program reaches beyond Chinese carriers and could also affect non-Chinese shipping lines operating Chinese-built vessels.
Under the original fee structure, Chinese vessel owners and operators would be subject to a fee starting at $50 per net ton, while operators of Chinese-built vessels would face the higher of $18 per net ton or $120 per discharged container. The rates are designed to increase incrementally in subsequent years. A separate fee structure also applies to certain foreign-built vehicle carriers.
The program includes provisions intended to limit the overall impact. Fees are assessed per U.S. voyage rather than at every individual port call, are capped at five assessments per vessel annually and are not stacked. Certain vessels and trades are also excluded, and relief may be available in connection with orders for U.S.-built vessels.
Potential Impact on Shippers
If the fees resume, carriers could adjust vessel deployments, port rotations and service networks to limit their exposure. Additional costs could also be passed along through carrier surcharges or incorporated into freight rates, potentially affecting both U.S. importers and exporters.
China previously suspended its own reciprocal port fees on U.S.-linked vessels on a similar timeline, creating the possibility that those charges could also return if the U.S. fees are reinstated.
For now, the maritime-fee suspension remains separate from the broader U.S.-China trade arrangement. An additional USTR action would be needed to formally extend or modify the current Section 301 suspension.
With the current suspension set to expire November 9th, shippers should watch for additional guidance from USTR in the coming weeks. Trans-Border will continue monitoring developments and provide updates as additional information becomes available.
