The China Shipowners’ Association opposes the US proposal for port entry fees on ocean cargo carriers that own or have ordered vessels from China, saying it violates international rules and US laws.
The China Shipowners’ Association (CSA) expressed strong opposition to the U.S. proposal that would impose port entry fees on ocean cargo carriers owning or ordering vessels from China, according to Reuters. The CSA argues that the proposal violates both international regulations and U.S. laws.
Members of the CSA, including China’s COSCO Shipping, are expected to be among the hardest hit by these fees, which are part of a U.S. trade representative investigation into China’s growing influence in global shipping.
Additionally, in a formal statement submitted to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), the CSA condemned the proposal as discriminatory, claiming it breaches World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and past WTO dispute resolutions.
The CSA also argues that the USTR’s actions violate the 2003 Sino-U.S. Maritime Agreement, as well as U.S. laws and regulations. They contend that the proposed fees exceed the statutory authority of the USTR, infringe on the jurisdiction of the Federal Maritime Commission, and breach both the Administrative Procedure Act and the Export Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Global shipping leaders have expressed concerns that the proposal could cause chaos in supply chains, potentially costing U.S. consumers an additional $30 billion annually while also doubling the cost of shipping American exports.
The China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry in a separate comment has also stated that it opposed the proposal.
