The World Shipping Council (WSC) has joined a coalition of maritime, agriculture, manufacturing, retail and logistics groups calling for a permanent suspension of US port fees on Chinese-linked ships calling US ports.
In a joint letter to the US Trade Representative (USTR) last week, the groups welcomed a two-month extension of the suspension until January 9, 2027, but urged the administration to make it permanent.
They warned that bringing back the fees would increase transportation costs for US businesses and consumers, hurt American exporters and add uncertainty to supply chains.
The coalition said China-built vessels account for a significant share of global shipping capacity, meaning the fees could affect shipping networks beyond Chinese carriers.
It also called for sustained investment and long-term policies to strengthen US shipbuilding, arguing that port fees alone would not rebuild the domestic industry.
