The U.S. implemented new port fees targeting Chinese-built and Chinese-operated vessels. Chinese vessel owners and operators calling at U.S. ports now face a $50 per net ton fee, while Chinese-built ships are subject to the greater of $18 per net ton or $120 per container. These rates are scheduled to increase over time. In response, China imposed reciprocal fees on U.S. vessels calling at Chinese ports.

The new port call fees are reducing vessel availability and disrupting trade flows. Major carriers, including Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and CMA CGM, have already adjusted service rotations to avoid affected ports. For example, Gemini Alliance members Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd confirmed that vessels on the TP7 service (Ningbo–Los Angeles) will skip calls at Ningbo.

Carriers implemented a General Rate Increase (GRI) of USD 700 per FEU on October 15, with another GRI planned for November 1.

Expect potential shipment delays as carriers adjust routing and capacity. Our Shanghai origin customer service team is monitoring the situation closely and will notify customers of any shipment-specific impacts. For additional questions please reach out to your Mallory Alexander representative.