USTR changes to Section 301 action concerning China's targeting of maritime, logistics, shipbuilding sectors
Deadline to submit written comments on the proposed further modifications is November 12, 2025.
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october 13, 2025
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on October 10, 2025, issued a release announcing modifications and proposed further changes to the Section 301 action concerning China's targeting of the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. For background, read TradeNewsFlash.
Modifications included in the USTR notice include:
- Changing the basis for calculating service fees on vessel operators of foreign-built vehicle carriers and setting the fee at $46 per net ton, as of October 14, 2025
- Eliminating, retroactive to April 17, 2025, a provision permitting the suspension of liquid natural gas (LNG) export licenses if certain restrictions on the use of foreign-built vessels are not met
- Imposing tariffs of 100% on certain ship-to-shore cranes and cargo handling equipment
Proposed further modifications include:
- Adding a carve-out from fees for certain ethane and liquid petroleum gas (LPG) carriers under long-term charter
- Imposing additional tariffs of up to 150% on certain cargo handling equipment (e.g., rubber tire gantry cranes) and components of such equipment
The deadline to submit written comments on the proposed further modifications is November 12, 2025.