US Customs provided over the weekend more details about the upcoming hiked port fees for Chinese-linked tonnage, due to come into effect next week.
The notice makes clear: the burden for determining liability lies squarely with the vessel operator, not US Customs. Vessels failing to show proof of payment may be denied unloading, denied clearance, or blocked from operations until their paperwork is in order. Payment is to be made via a US Treasury site, with Customs urging ship operators to make sure they have paid up at least three days prior to a vessel arrival in the US.
There are three pricing levels. Annex 1 is $50 per net ton for ships owned or operated by Chinese entities.Annex 2 is for Chinese-built ships arriving in the US, where the operator will pay the higher of $18 per net ton or $120 per container discharged. Annex 3 covers all non-US-built vehicle carriers – not just Chinese – with operators having to pay $14 per net ton.
Some relief is baked in: LNG tankers are exempt from fees under these annexes.
The online Section 301 Fee Payment Form will prompt responsible parties to complete various required fields and then the charge will be revealed by the site.
China has vowed to retaliate. Chinese premier Li Qiang signed a State Council decree nine days ago, which states that China will take necessary countermeasures against countries or regions that impose or support discriminatory bans, restrictions, or similar measures targeting Chinese operators, vessels, or crew engaged in international maritime transport and related services.