The US government will start imposing new service fees on maritime transport involving Chinese-owned and Chinese-built vessels calling at US ports.
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced that this will go into effect from 14 October 2025.
These fees are to be introduced gradually over a three-year period.
Based on the current scope and application of the service fee, Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) has confirmed it is “fully prepared & does not plan to implement a surcharge at this time to cover USTR-related fees as currently structured”.
HMM has stated that they “do not anticipate adjustments to our US port rotations or your existing service plans”.
The company also confirmed they “have no intention of introducing any surcharge in connection with this rule”.
HMM has indicated it will continue to monitor the regulatory environment closely and communicate any relevant developments.
Recently, HMM signed a KRW 430 billion ($309 million) contract of affreightment (COA) with Brazilian miner Vale.