The China Shipowners' Association said it will continue to "actively communicate" with the United States and other relevant parties regarding the tariffs proposed by the Trump administration on Chinese vessels.
According to a plan presented by the U.S. Trade Representative, all ships constructed and owned by China docking in the United States would be subject to a fee based on the volume of goods transported, per trip. The proposal arises after a months-long investigation ordered by the Biden administration into whether Chinese shipbuilding poses a national security threat to the United States.
The plan also affects non-Chinese shipbuilders, adding a tax on any foreign-built vehicle carriers that stop at U.S. ports. This measure is considered "significantly discriminatory" by the association, which firmly opposes U.S. accusations based on false facts and prejudice.
Regarding the so-called Section 301 petition, it was ordered that the tariff take effect in six months, with a new phase restricting the use of foreign-built ships transporting liquefied natural gas to three years. After six months, the tariff for Chinese ships would be set at $50 per net ton, or the volume of a ship's usable space, and then gradually increase over three years.
In another context, the organizers of the Canton Fair have urged exporters not to close or abandon their booths early amid a growing trade conflict with the United States. China’s largest trade fair is held in three phases, and efforts are being made to maximize sales opportunities despite the crisis generated by the 145% tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump on imports from China.
The tariffs have negatively impacted many exporters in the country, so the organizers have advised participants to stay at the fair to fully leverage the platform and secure orders. Although companies pay for their booths and the staff serving them, it is warned that if they withdraw prematurely, the business group's qualification for the exhibition will be canceled.