USTR Fees Could Hit 35% of key sectors' ships
When fees from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) targeting Chinese dominance of the maritime sector come into effect October 14, 2025, 35% of ships in the combined bulk, crude tanker, product tanker and container fleet could be subject to additional fees when calling a US port. Even though these ships provide 44% of the combined fleet’s capacity, US importers and exporters should not expect increasing freight rates,” says Niels Rasmussen, Chief Shipping Analyst at BIMCO.Of the ships that could be subject to the port fees…
New BIMCO Clause Addresses USTR Actions
The Documentary Committee of BIMCO adopted a standard clause aimed at addressing contractual uncertainties that may arise from the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) Notice of Actions to impose fees on Chinese-related ships calling US ports.A BIMCO subcommittee comprising legal and commercial experts began working on the clause at the start of June, prioritizing its development as the USTR announced actions to impose fees on ships calling at US ports which are Chinese…
