China extends suspension of special port fees on US-linked vessels

China will extend the suspension of special port fees on US-linked vessels and a related investigation into the impact on the security and development interests of its shipping and shipbuilding industries until Jan 10, 2027, the Ministry of Transport said on Monday.

The decision, approved by the State Council, China's Cabinet, is aimed at implementing the outcomes of the eighth round of China-US economic and trade consultations, according to a ministry statement.

The extension covers three measures introduced in October 2025: the imposition of special port fees on US-linked vessels, the rules governing their collection, and an investigation into the impact on the security and development interests of China's shipping, shipbuilding and related industrial and supply chains.

China initially introduced the port fees in response to US measures targeting Chinese-owned, operated and built vessels under a Section 301 investigation into China's maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors.

Under the original rules, vessels owned or operated by US entities, those flying the US flag, and those built in the United States were among those subject to additional charges when calling at Chinese ports. The fees took effect on Oct 14, 2025, at an initial rate of 400 yuan ($60) per net ton, with increases scheduled in subsequent years.

China suspended the measures for one year beginning Nov 10, 2025, following China-US economic and trade consultations in Kuala Lumpur. The suspension was implemented in coordination with Washington's suspension of its corresponding maritime measures.

The latest announcement extends the suspension by another two months, following further bilateral trade consultations.

The Office of the US Trade Representative has also announced a further two-month suspension of its Section 301 actions targeting China's maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors. The suspension will remain in effect through 11:59 pm Eastern time on Jan 9, 2027.