| Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) wish to update members of the imminent introduction of new U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) service fees on maritime transport services. Effective October 14, 2025, the USTR will begin phasing in fees on vessels owned or operated by Chinese entities, as well as on vessels built in China. These measures follow the April 2025 release of the Revised Action Plan, which sought to balance trade enforcement with minimising disruption to U.S. exporters. The key elements include: - Chinese vessel operators and owners: a fee of USD $50 per net ton per voyage, capped at five assessments per vessel, per year. This fee will increase annually, reaching USD $140 per net ton by April 2028.
- Chinese-built vessels (non-Chinese operated): a fee of either USD $18 per net ton or USD $120 per container discharged, whichever is higher. Fees will rise incrementally to USD $33 per net ton or USD $250 per container by April 2028.
- Additional measures will apply to foreign-built car carriers (based on capacity) and LNG exports, which from 2028 will face phased requirements for U.S.-built, U.S.-flagged, and U.S.-operated vessels.
Certain exemptions apply, including U.S.-flagged vessels, vessels carrying government cargo, smaller ships, and short-sea shipping trades.
The fee will be charged up to five times per year per vessel. Carrier Response
CMA CGM has confirmed that it has implemented contingency planning during the 180-day grace period to ensure service coverage to all U.S. ports is maintained. Importantly, CMA CGM has also stated that it does not intend to introduce a surcharge at this stage to cover USTR-related fees.
FTA/APSA anticipates that other carriers will outline their positions in the coming weeks, and we will keep members updated via our website as announcements are made. Implications for Members
For freight forwarders, importers, and exporters, these fees may impact routing decisions, vessel deployment, and ultimately the cost of trade to and from the United States. While CMA CGM's stance provides some immediate reassurance, other carriers may adopt different strategies as fees escalate in the coming years. FTA and APSA will continue to monitor developments and engage with industry stakeholders to keep members informed of potential impacts and mitigation strategies. |