[Text/Observer Network Chen Sijia] The US government recently proposed a plan to impose high "port fees" on Chinese ships docking at US ports under the pretext of "revitalizing the shipbuilding industry". According to a report by Reuters on April 8, six sources said that due to opposition from multiple industries in the United States, US President Trump is considering easing the fee plan.

The sources said that the adjustments being considered by the US government include postponing the implementation of the relevant plan and formulating new fee standards, with the aim of reducing the cost of fleets docking at US ports. One proposal is to charge based on the number of Chinese-made ships in the fleet, meaning companies with fewer Chinese-made ships will pay lower port "fees".

The Trump administration is also considering charging according to the tonnage of the ships rather than a flat fee. This would allow smaller vessels to pay lower fees, potentially alleviating pressure on small vessel owners in sectors like grain transportation.

The sources told Reuters that when formulating the relevant plans, the Office of the US Trade Representative mainly considered large container ships transporting retail goods, and did not fully take into account the impact of the "port fees" on the flow of goods.

In addition, the Trump administration is also considering adjusting the fees to reduce the impact on US businesses.

The White House and the Office of the US Trade Representative have not yet commented on the related reports. However, Reuters noted that US Trade Representative Jamie Greer said at a Senate Finance Committee hearing on the 8th that not all proposals for charging Chinese-made ships will be implemented.

On April 8, the container terminal of the Port of Long Beach, California, Visual China

In February this year, the Office of the US Trade Representative proposed a plan to advocate imposing high "port fees" on Chinese ships entering US ports. Reuters quoted maritime experts as saying that if a ship is made in China, operated by a Chinese shipping company, and the company has ordered ships from Chinese shipyards, the cumulative cost per docking could reach up to $3.5 million.

The World Shipping Council, which represents the global shipping industry, warned that it is expected that 98% of ships worldwide will be charged when docking at US ports because this fee applies not only to existing Chinese-made ships but also to future ships and any carriers that have ordered at least one Chinese-made ship. Currently, 90% of ships worldwide are subject to this fee.

The Trump administration's fee plan quickly sparked opposition from multiple industries in the United States. At an open hearing held on March 24, representatives from the US coal, agriculture, and other industries emphasized that Chinese-related ships are widely present in the global fleet, and it is impossible to replace these ships in the short term. "Port fees" will disrupt the transportation of nearly all goods.

Emily Arthun (Emily Arthun), CEO of the US Coal Council, which represents the coal industry supply chain, stated that charging fees for ships related to China will have a negative impact on "coal mining companies, export terminals, and transport and other service providers" in the United States. "If the proposed actions are implemented, it will kill the US coal export business, and countries with coal reserves such as Australia can seize market share at any time."

Mike Koehne (Mike Koehne), a member of the American Soybean Association, also pointed out that lower prices are an advantage of US soybeans in the global market, and China is also one of the main buyers of US soybeans. Additional port fees will leave US farmers facing "unintended consequences".

Nate Herman (Nate Herman), senior vice president responsible for policy at the American Apparel and Footwear Association, said that port fees will lead to rising import and export costs in the United States, unemployment, shortages of goods, and rising prices. He cited research data from multiple US trade organizations, stating that "port fees" could result in an 11.9% decline in US exports and a 0.25% reduction in gross domestic product (GDP).

Edward Gonzalez (Edward Gonzalez), CEO of Florida Coast Maritime Company, emphasized: "If efforts to boost US shipbuilding inadvertently destroy US shipping companies, then national interests cannot be safeguarded."

Kathy Metcalf (Kathy Metcalf), CEO of the American Maritime Association, also pointed out that replacing Chinese-made ships is not as simple as flipping a switch. "While striking at China, it will also punish the US maritime transport system, which is unacceptable."

Regarding the US proposal to collect "port fees", Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning previously stated that measures such as levying port fees and imposing tariffs on cargo handling equipment harm others without benefiting oneself. They increase global shipping costs, disrupt the stability of the global production and supply chain, increase inflationary pressures in the United States, damage the interests of US consumers and businesses, and ultimately cannot revitalize the US shipbuilding industry. We urge the US side to respect facts and multilateral rules and immediately stop erroneous practices. China will take necessary measures to defend its legitimate rights and interests.

This article is an exclusive contribution by Observer Network and is unauthorized for reprinting.

Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7491212006062686746/

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