China to Impose a New Port Surcharge on U.S. Ships Starting October 14
Businesses with supply chains linking the U.S. and China are preparing for another shift that could affect vessel operations and freight rates.
China’s Ministry of Transport announced that, as of October 14, 2025, a new port surcharge will be imposed on U.S.-linked vessels when calling at Chinese ports.
The fee is set at ¥400 per net tonnage per voyage, with increases expected each April over the next three years.
The surcharge will apply to a maximum of five voyages per vessel per year.
Moreover, if a vessel visits multiple Chinese ports during the same voyage, the fee will only be charged once.
This measure mirrors the U.S. decision to impose new port fees on Chinese-built, owned, or operated vessels, which will also take effect on October 14.
The new surcharge will apply to:
China’s new port surcharges will rise in stages, with adjustments scheduled as follows:
At Cole International, we constantly monitor changing trade regulations and offer customs and compliance consulting services to help businesses navigate these changes.
Additionally, we provide timely and efficient customs brokerage services to help U.S. importers streamline their customs clearance processes.
For more information about this update and how it may impact your operations, reach out to one of our trade professionals.