Charging fees on China-linked vessels calling at US ports will significantly increase the cost of seaborne transport to and from the United States – even if operators are pursuing avoidance strategies, said BIMCO in its letter to the US Trade Representative.
BIMCO expects operators to attempt to mitigate the negative impact of port fees either by passing the costs on to US importers—resulting in higher prices for consumers—or by ceasing trade with US ports.
The port fees are significant, with...