United States' extra port fees face probe

China is launching an investigation into the impact of the United States' additional port fees on Chinese vessels, Minister of Transport Liu Wei said during a forum in Shanghai.

Initiated in accordance with Chinese laws, the investigation will assess the impact on the safety and development of China's shipping, shipbuilding and related industries. The move aims to protect the stability and growth of these sectors, Liu said in his keynote speech at the 2025 North Bund Forum, which opened in Shanghai on Sunday.

In April, the US Trade Representative announced a Section 301 investigation into China's maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors and began imposing additional port fees on Chinese ships on Oct 14.

"The US' actions disregard the facts, fully exposing their unilateral and protectionist nature. They seriously harm the legitimate interests of China's shipping industry, disrupt global supply chain stability, and undermine international trade and economic relations," Liu said.

In line with Chinese regulations, the Ministry of Transport released a document on Oct 14 detailing measures to impose special port fees on vessels owned or operated by US enterprises, organizations and individuals.

On the sidelines of the forum, Eugene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, highlighted the importance of trade between the US and China, noting that China represents 40 percent of all business at his port, which has the largest container business in the Western Hemisphere.

"Last year, at the Port of Los Angeles, about one in five ships — more than 20 percent — were either built in China or managed by Chinese companies, accounting for a significant share of our business. This past week, however, only one China-built ship called at the Port of Los Angeles," Seroka said.

"What we know is that companies around the world, the major shipping lines, are doing their best to adjust and support their customers and partners. But I cannot emphasize enough how vital the trading relationship is between the world's two largest economies," he added.

Jens Meier, president of the International Association of Ports and Harbors, said it is important to keep global trade running smoothly. While some tariffs between countries are normal, he said the uncertainty surrounding such measures may deter investment.

"Global shipping peers should work together to promote a fair, open and just environment, protecting the shared interests of international trade and economic development," Liu said.

Liu added that advancing the sector's green transformation requires active international cooperation. China will continue to follow the principles of consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, collaborating with other nations to address challenges, drive sustainable development in shipping, and ensure stable global supply chains — fostering trade prosperity and contributing to a community with a shared future for humanity.

According to Chen Jining, Party secretary of Shanghai, the city has made more progress in developing itself as an international shipping center in recent years.

The Port of Shanghai, the world's busiest container port, handled 51.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units in 2024. It became the world's first port to surpass the 50 million TEUs mark in annual container throughput, maintaining its position as the busiest container port globally for 15 consecutive years.

Themed "Collaborating for Sustainable Global Shipping & Aviation", this year marks the fifth edition of the North Bund Forum. As many as 4,000 participants from more than 50 countries and regions are attending the three-day event in person.