U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued guidance on the new Section 301 vessel fees targeting Chinese-owned, operated, or built ships, set to take effect October 14. Ship operators must pay the fees—ranging from $14 to $50 per net ton or $120 per container—at least three days before arriving at a U.S. port or risk being denied clearance or unloading. Payments must be submitted through pay.gov.
In response, China has announced potential countermeasures. Premier Li Qiang signed a decree authorizing retaliation against countries that impose discriminatory restrictions on Chinese maritime operators.