Hey news lovers! Got shipping drama? China is turning up the heat in a new tit-for-tat move! 🔄🚢
Starting October 14, the Chinese mainland's Ministry of Transport announced it will charge special port fees on vessels owned or operated by U.S. enterprises, organizations, and individuals. This comes after the United States slapped extra port fees on Chinese ships under a Section 301 investigation.
Who’s on the hook? Any ship owned or operated by entities where U.S. stakeholders hold a 25%+ share, plus all U.S.-flagged and U.S.-built vessels. The fees kick off at 400 yuan (~$56) per net tonne and will rise every April 17 for the next three years.
Why the backlash? The ministry says the U.S. actions broke international trade rules and the China-U.S. maritime transport agreement, disrupting smooth trade lanes. ⚖️🌐
Officials called it a “justified move to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese maritime enterprises” and urged the United States to reverse course and stop the “unwarranted suppression.”
This maritime showdown shows how global trade can quickly get choppy when two giants play hardball. Stay tuned as this story sails on! 🌊✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
