U.S. Port Fee Plan May Cost Consumers $30 Billion, Critics Warn of Global Trade Disruption

The U.S. government has proposed imposing up to $1.5 million in port fees per call on shipping companies using Chinese-built vessels, according to the South China Morning Post. Industry leaders warned the fees would disrupt supply chains, drive up consumer prices, and fail to curb China's dominance in shipbuilding. The World Shipping Council estimated the charges could cost U.S. consumers up to $30 billion annually. The USTR defends the plan as necessary for national security and shipbuilding revitalization, but critics argue it will harm American competitiveness and have far-reaching consequences for global trade.