ISTANBUL, Oct 11 – China announced Friday that starting Tuesday it will begin charging US ships for docking at Chinese ports, in retaliation for Washington’s imposition of fees on Chinese vessels entering US ports.
The Chinese Transport Ministry said in a statement that the US fees, imposed this April, “seriously violate” principles of international trade and the China-US Maritime Shipping Agreement, and are causing “serious damage” to maritime trade between China and the US.
The US vessels will be charged 400 yuan ($56) per net ton by China, compared to the $50 per net ton that the US is charging Chinese vessels, with the costs set to rise in the years to come.
The fees will be applied to vessels owned or operated by companies, organizations, people, and entities in which US stakeholders hold at least a 25% ownership share, said the ministry.
Additionally, ships built in Washington or flying the American flag would also be subject to fees.
In April, the US government declared fees on vessels constructed in China following a US trade representative review conducted by the Biden-Trump administrations that concluded China’s actions, policies, and practices were irrational and hindered or burdened US trade.
According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), China makes up 53.3% of the world’s shipbuilding, while the US barely makes up 0.1%.
The move came after Beijing earlier this week increased export restrictions on rare earths and associated technology. Rare earth elements are essential to high-tech sectors, including electronics, automotive, and military.
Also, ahead of negotiations with the US, Chinese authorities recently increased tensions by targeting US tech giants in legal cases. – Anadolu Ajansi
