### U.S. Plans to Impose Fees on China-Linked Ships to Counter Maritime Dominance The United States is preparing to implement significant fees on ships associated with China, particularly those that are either built in China or flying the Chinese flag. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to bolster domestic shipbuilding and reduce China's influence in the global shipping industry. The draft executive order, dated February 27, outlines these measures and indicates that the U.S. will also encourage its allies to adopt similar policies or face potential retaliation from the U.S. government. This move is seen as a response to China's growing dominance in maritime trade and aims to protect U.S. economic interests in the shipping sector [https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/us-to-levy-fees-on-ships-linked-to-china-push-allies-to-do-similar-draft-executive-order-101741307619255.html, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-levy-fees-ships-linked-china-push-allies-do-similar-draft-exec-order-2025-03-06]. ### Overview of the Proposed Measures and Structure 1. **Imposition of Fees**: The U.S. will charge fees for docking at its ports for any ship that is part of a fleet that includes Chinese-built or Chinese-flagged vessels. 2. **Encouragement of Allies**: The U.S. will push its allies to implement similar measures to create a unified front against China's shipping dominance. 3. **Domestic Shipbuilding Revival**: The initiative aims to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industry, which has been struggling against foreign competition, particularly from China. 4. **Potential Retaliation**: Countries that do not comply with the U.S. push for similar fees may face economic repercussions or retaliatory measures from the U.S. government [https://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/us-to-levy-fees-on-china-linked-ships-push-allies-to-do-likewise-draft-executive-order-says, https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3288586-exclusive-us-to-levy-fees-on-ships-linked-to-china-push-allies-to-do-similar---draft-executive-order]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Targeted Companies**: Major shipping companies affected by these fees include China's COSCO, Switzerland's MSC, Denmark's Maersk, and Taiwan's Evergreen Marine, which could face significant financial impacts due to these new charges [https://www.rappler.com/world/us-canada/trump-plan-order-levy-fees-china-linked-ships]. - **Economic Context**: The global shipping industry is valued at approximately $150 billion, and the U.S. aims to reclaim a larger share of this market by reducing reliance on Chinese shipping [https://econotimes.com/US-Plans-Port-Fees-on-Fleets-Linked-to-China-Pressures-Allies-to-Follow-1703996]. - **Executive Order Details**: The draft executive order includes an 18-point plan that outlines various measures to support domestic shipbuilding, including tax incentives and the establishment of a Maritime Security Trust Fund [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3287319-update-2-trump-plans-executive-order-to-strengthen-us-shipbuilding-blunt-china-domination]. ### Conclusion and Implications In summary, the U.S. government's proposed fees on China-linked ships represent a strategic effort to counteract China's maritime dominance and revitalize the domestic shipbuilding industry. The key points are as follows: 1. **Implementation of Fees**: Ships linked to China will incur docking fees at U.S. ports. 2. **Allied Cooperation**: The U.S. will seek to align its allies with similar policies to strengthen the initiative. 3. **Economic Impact**: Major shipping companies may face increased operational costs, potentially reshaping the global shipping landscape. 4. **Domestic Focus**: The initiative aims to bolster U.S. shipbuilding capabilities and reduce dependency on foreign vessels. This comprehensive approach reflects the U.S. administration's commitment to safeguarding its economic interests and maintaining a competitive edge in global shipping [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3288649-exclusive-us-to-levy-fees-on-ships-linked-to-china-push-allies-to-do-similar---draft-executive-order-says, https://www.econotimes.com/US-Targets-Chinas-Shipping-Dominance-with-New-Tariffs-and-Shipbuilding-Boost-1703863].