The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) held public hearings on March 24 and 26 to discuss concerns regarding China’s involvement in the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding industries. Proposed measures include port entrance fees of up to $1 million per vessel for Chinese carriers and requirements for a minimum percentage of U.S. exports to be transported on U.S.-flagged or U.S.-built vessels.
During the two days of hearings, 14 panels of witnesses provided testimony, and more than 500 written comments were submitted by U.S. industry representatives and trade associations in response to the USTR’s request for feedback.
The National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) and other trade associations have raised concerns with the USTR regarding the proposed Section 301 port fees for Chinese-built ships entering U.S. ports. They argue that these fees could increase costs, reduce shipping capacity, and disrupt trade flows.
Read NCBFAA’s full comments here.