SNOW 2025 Wk41 Plain
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Rate increases unlikely but USTR fees could impact 35% of key sectors' ships

Published
08 October 2025

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.