信德海事网-专业海事信息咨询服务平台 登录 | 注册 [ 设为首页 ] [ 加入收藏 ] 中文版 ENGLISH WeChat Mobile --> --> ENGLISH   >   REGULATION --> Rule for Rule: Inside China's Reciprocal Response to the U.S. Section 301 Port Charges 2025-10-13 15:51 By： Xinde Marine News Chen Yang 分享： --> --> --> 评论 --> --> China's 'Special Port Fee' on U.S.-Linked Vessels: The Logic Behind the Countermeasure   Following the recent revision of the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on International Ocean Shipping—which created a legal basis for countermeasures against the U.S. Section 301 investigation into China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding industries—China has now moved from preparation to action.   On October 10, China's Ministry of Transport announced that, effective October 14, 2025, all U.S.-related vessels will be subject to a new "Special Port Fee", a reciprocal response to what China calls discriminatory and protectionist U.S. port charges imposed under the 301 framework.   The real significance lies in the scope of what constitutes a "U.S.-related vessel." The definition extends far beyond ships built or flagged in the United States, to include vessels owned, operated, or indirectly controlled by U.S. companies, citizens, or investors.   This encompasses fleets owned by U.S.-listed shipping firms, energy majors, traders, investment funds, and banks, which together represent a substantial share of the global fleet. In other words, although the number of U.S.-flag or U.S.-built merchant ships is relatively small, U.S. capital influence in world shipping is immense.   The decision is therefore not symbolic—it targets a large and globally dispersed network of U.S.-linked maritime assets.   The move marks the start of a new phase in the U.S.–China maritime policy standoff, highlighting the extensive footprint of American interests in international shipping.   Countering the Section 301 Tariffs — "Legal and Lawful Defense" On April 17, 2