The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has responded to China’s bullish behaviour in logistics by proposing restrictions and fees which could exceed $1 million USD per call.
The USTR is inviting comments from the public on proposed Section 301 actions aimed to obtain the elimination of China’s acts, policies and practices targeting maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors for dominance.
It proposes to impose fees and restrictions on international maritime transport services related to Chinese ship operators and Chinese-built ships as well as promote the transport of US goods on US vessels.
USTR will hold a public hearing about the proposed actions on 24 March 2025 in the main hearing room at the International Trade Commission.
In August 2024, the Canadian Marine Industries and Shipbuilding Association (CIMSA) issued a statement highlighting that Chinese-built ships present an even greater strategic and ethical threat.
“China’s shipbuilding industry operates under the doctrine of Civil-Military Fusion whereby commercial ship exports are subsidised to strengthen the country’s military capabilities,” said CIMSA.
“The very shipyards that produce ferries and cargo vessels for the global market are also used to construct warships for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), fuelling its rapid and aggressive naval expansion.
“As China’s navy continues to grow, it increasingly uses its fleet to challenge Canadian interests and those of our allies in regions extending even to our own Arctic waters.”
In other news, on 26 February 2025, the US Senate voted to confirm Jamieson Greer as the new representative of USTR.
“It is my honour to be confirmed by the Senate to serve as President Trump’s US Trade Representative,” said Ambassador Greer.
“President Trump recognises the role unfair trade practices have played in offshoring American jobs and harming our national security.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, I will work strategically to address unfair trade practices, open new markets, tackle our record trade deficit and restore America’s ability to become a country of producers.
“I look forward to building off the many successes from President Trump’s first term to lead USTR in executing a robust trade agenda that puts America First.”
The US port and maritime industry supported $2.89 trillion USD in economic activity and $1.79 trillion USD in wages and benefits in 2023 according to the American Association of Port Authorities.
