U.S.–China Port Fee Suspension Set to Expire on November 9 as Shipping Industry Watches Next Move

The one-year suspension of reciprocal U.S.–China port fees is scheduled to expire at 11:59 p.m. U.S. time on November 9, 2026, leaving the shipping industry with roughly 10 weeks before the current arrangement ends. The temporary suspension has provided carriers and international traders with a period of stability following months of uncertainty over additional vessel-related charges.

The dispute originated from a U.S. Trade Representative investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 into China’s maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors. On October 14, 2025, the United States introduced a phased port fee mechanism targeting certain China-linked vessels, initially charging USD 50 per net ton and planning gradual increases to USD 140 per net ton by 2028.

China subsequently introduced reciprocal measures targeting certain U.S.-linked vessels before both sides agreed to suspend the additional port charges for one year from November 10, 2025. If the suspension is not extended or replaced by a new agreement before the deadline, the reciprocal measures could return, potentially increasing operating costs for carriers serving major China–U.S. trade routes.

For importers, exporters and freight forwarders, the approaching deadline deserves close attention as renewed port fees could indirectly affect ocean freight rates, vessel deployment and capacity allocation. Businesses involved in China–U.S. shipping should monitor policy negotiations and carrier announcements while preparing flexible logistics plans to manage potential cost and schedule changes ahead of November.