🚢 The U.S. Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has proposed levying port fees on ships from the Chinese mainland, a move that China believes could backfire.
During a press conference on Thursday, He Yadong, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, expressed concerns that imposing such fees would disrupt global supply chains, drive up shipping costs, and ultimately harm the U.S. economy and employment rates.
He emphasized that increased costs could lead to higher inflation in the U.S., weaken the global competitiveness of American goods, and negatively impact both consumers and businesses.
The USTR announced on February 21 that it is seeking public comment on its Section 301 investigation into China's maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors, which includes the potential imposition of port fees.
He Yadong criticized the USTR’s actions as unilateral and protectionist, violating World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. He urged the U.S. to respect multilateral trade practices and warned that China will take necessary measures to protect its legitimate rights and interests.
Reference(s):
China: U.S. proposal to levy port fees on Chinese ships could backfire
cgtn.com
