The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is considering extending the suspension of Section 301 port fees on China-linked vessels by two months, through January 9, 2027. An Italian shipping group has warned that reinstating the fees could force it to redeploy vessels away from U.S. trades, disrupting services for American exporters and automakers.
What Happened
According to foreign media reports, the carrier, which operates roll-on/roll-off, container and car carrier vessels, filed comments with USTR on October 30 backing the proposed extension through January 9, 2027, and calling for a permanent exemption for foreign-built vehicle carriers. The company said American customers have expressed concern that it might withdraw from U.S. trades.
The carrier reported nearly 985,000 tons of U.S. exports and about 1.31 million tons of imports over the past three years. It said 74.7% of its U.S. import volume belonged to American automakers, and 86% of the cargo it carries in U.S. trades consisted of U.S. exports or imports tied to U.S. carmakers.
The extension under review would last two months; the current suspension was set to expire on November 9. The fees initially took effect on October 14, 2025, and were suspended on November 10 as part of a broader U.S.-China trade arrangement.
Background
The Section 301 port fees target Chinese-owned and Chinese-operated vessels, Chinese-built ships and certain foreign-built vehicle carriers, aiming to support U.S. shipbuilding. Several carriers argue the measures could raise transport costs and disrupt established networks. An executive at another transatlantic carrier told media that its ships were classified as vehicle carriers even though automobiles account for only 1% of its cargo, and customers feared redeployment to other trades.
Meanwhile, some U.S. lawmakers and maritime labor groups want the fees reinstated, arguing the suspension undermines efforts to rebuild U.S. commercial shipbuilding. USTR's public comment period closed on October 30, and the extension has not been finalized.
Impact on Shippers
On transit times, if the fees return and some carriers redeploy capacity away from U.S. trades, space in segments such as roll-on/roll-off and car carriers could tighten, raising the risk of longer lead times. On costs, any reinstated fees could be passed through to cargo owners via rates or surcharges. On customs clearance, the measures remain suspended for now, so China-origin cargo to the U.S. does not currently face this port fee at declaration, but the policy window is approaching and documentation and cost checks should be monitored.
Recommendations
Shippers of auto parts, machinery and roll-on/roll-off cargo to the U.S. should confirm space and cost arrangements with carriers for the period after November 9, clarify in contracts who bears port-fee-type surcharges, prepare alternative routing for time-sensitive cargo, and keep tracking USTR's final announcement, subject to the latest official notice.