October 14, 2025

China's Ministry of Transport on Tuesday announced 10 implementation measures as the country starts to charge special port fees on ships owned or operated by US enterprises, organizations and individuals, in a move to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese shipping industry and enterprises while ensuring fair competition in international shipping, according to statements on the ministry's website.

Ships subject to the special port fees also include those owned or operated by entities where US enterprises, organizations and individuals hold a direct or indirect stake of 25 percent or more, as well as all the US-flagged and US built vessels, the ministry said.

The vessels built in China under the first to fourth items shall be exempt from the special port fees. Vessels without load that enter Chinese shipyards solely for repair purposes, as well as other vessels otherwise determined to be exempt, shall also be exempt from the fees, according to the document.

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