USTR announces actions in Section 301 investigation of China's maritime sector dominance
Actions include imposing service fees on Chinese vessel operators and owners
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on April 17, 2025, posted on its website a notice detailing actions and proposed actions in its Section 301 investigation into China's targeting of the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors for dominance. The notice includes service fees on maritime transport services of Chinese operators and shipowners, as well as proposed tariffs on certain ship-to-shore cranes and other cargo handling equipment from China. USTR is requesting written comments on these proposed tariff actions and will hold a public hearing on May 19, 2025.
Read a related USTR release (April 17, 2025)
Background
The investigation was initiated on April 17, 2024, following a petition filed by labor unions concerning China's acts, policies, and practices aimed at dominating these sectors. A public report released on January 16, 2025, concluded that China's actions are unreasonable and restrict U.S. commerce. Read TradeNewsFlash
USTR actions
USTR has determined that appropriate actions include imposing service fees on Chinese vessel operators and owners, as well as operators using Chinese-built vessels. Restrictions on maritime transport services for U.S. liquified natural gas (LNG) exports are also proposed. Additionally, tariffs on ship-to-shore cranes and other cargo handling equipment from China are proposed.
Comments
USTR invites comments on the proposed tariff actions, with the comment period opening on April 17, 2025, and closing on May 19, 2025. A public hearing will be held on May 19, 2025.