Rate increases unlikely but USTR fees could impact 35% of key sectors' ships

When fees from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) targeting Chinese dominance of the maritime sector come into effect 14 October, 35% of ships in the combined bulk, crude tanker, product tanker and container fleet could be subject to additional fees when calling a US port. Even though these ships provide 44% of the combined fleet’s capacity, US importers and exporters should not expect increasing freight rates.