Beijing: The United States and China have entered a new phase of their ongoing trade confrontation, introducing reciprocal port fees on vessels from each country, marking the high seas as a central battlefield in their economic rivalry. Effective October 14, 2025, these levies will impact a wide range of cargo, from crude oil tankers to consumer goods, potentially reshaping global shipping flows.

China announced that its fees will apply to U.S.-owned, operated, built, or flagged vessels, while exempting ships constructed in China and empty vessels entering Chinese shipyards for repairs. The fees are calculated per voyage at the first Chinese port of entry or applied to the first five voyages within a year, with the annual billing cycle starting April 17. The move comes as a direct respo

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