Beijing: China has officially announced a sweeping investigation into U.S. maritime policies, signaling an escalation in trade and shipping tensions between the world’s two largest economies. The probe, initiated by China’s Ministry of Transport, aims to examine whether specific actions taken by U.S. authorities, companies, or organizations have unfairly targeted Chinese maritime and shipbuilding sectors, potentially compromising the security and efficiency of related supply chains.
The investigation comes in the wake of the U.S. applying new port fees to vessels linked to Chinese operations, a measure justified under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which empowers the U.S. government to respond to alleged unfair trade practices. According to analysts, these measures are primarily intended to counter China’s growing influence in global maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding industries. The U.S. fees, which took effect on October 14, are projected to impact major shipping lines, with COSCO, China’s largest shipping carrier, expected to bear nearly half of the estimated $3.2 billion additional costs in 2026.
China’s response has been swift and reciprocal. The Ministry of Transport announced that additional port fees would be levied on U.S.-linked ships while exempting Chinese-built or repaired vessels from such charges. The concurrent timing of these measures is widely interpreted as a tit-for-tat strategy, heightening uncertainty for the international shipping industry. Experts warn that these reciprocal tariffs could disrupt global freight flows, affecting approximately 13% of crude shipments and 11% of container traffic worldwide.
Industry observers have expressed concern about the broader implications of the dispute. Shipping companies already face challenges stemming from geopolitical instability, rising fuel costs, and stringent environmental regulations. The addition of port fees and trade-related barriers may further increase operational costs and create delays in global supply chains. Many firms are reportedly reviewing their shipping routes and contractual arrangements to mitigate potential disruptions caused by the evolving U.S.-China maritime conflict.
Beyond immediate commercial impacts, analysts note that the probe and related fee measures may have strategic consequences, potentially reshaping international trade patterns. Countries dependent on smooth maritime logistics may experience shifts in supply routes, while businesses may reconsider reliance on Chinese or U.S.-linked ports. The investigation, therefore, is being closely watched not only by maritime operators but also by global policymakers, as it could influence trade dynamics and economic relations for years to come.
The unfolding situation underscores the increasingly complex interplay between commerce, national security, and geopolitics in the maritime sector. Stakeholders worldwide are bracing for further developments as China continues its probe and the U.S. maintains its trade measures, with the global shipping community caught in the crosscurrents of economic rivalry.