Dutch maritime industry not awaiting American port fees

Globally, the stock markets and politics are in the grip of a trade war sparked by the United States. President Trump regularly stated during his campaign that he views the introduction of import tariffs as the key measure to boost the American economy.

Since his inauguration in January, President Trump has been doing everything possible to fulfill this promise, with announcements for new import tariffs rapidly following one another. But it seems that this trade war is not only going to be waged with import tarrifs on various goods and products but also with a potential introduction of port fees up to 1.5 million dollars on China-built ships, ships with a Chinese interest, and ships sailing under the Chinese flag. This not only has enormous consequences for China but also greatly impacts international maritime shipping, including Dutch shipowners.

The idea for the port fees originates from the unions in the U.S., and a first attempt had already been made under President Biden for these port fees for ships with a Chinese interest. Trump is now swiftly following through, and the proposal was published on February 27. This proposal is part of a broader package, called "Make Shipbuilding Great Again".

It seems that this broader proposal will be financed with these port fees. The even broader Executive Order signed by Trump on April 9 does not beat around the bush when it comes to the overall objective: ‘Restoring America's Maritime Dominance’. In this decree, the USTR The USTR (United States Trade Representative) is a U.S. government agency responsible for trade agreements with other countries. They negotiate trade rules, ensure fair trade practices, and help resolve trade disputes. The goal is to protect the U.S. economy and improve trade opportunities. must develop a maritime action plan within 210 days. The port fees will be part of this, the rates in the proposal from 27 February 2025 are not included in the final Executive Order signed by the president.

The US Trade Representative had then opened the proposal for comments until 24 March 2025. A total of 523 responses were submitted, including responses from our umbrella organisations such as:

• International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) ICS, or the International Chamber of Shipping, is a global organization representing the interests of shipowners and the maritime sector. Established in 1921, ICS provides guidelines and support, promotes safety and sustainability in shipping, and influences policy and regulations worldwide.

• European Shipowners (ECSA) ECSA (European Community Shipowners' Associations) is an umbrella organization representing European shipping companies. It advocates for the maritime industry's interests at the European Union and other international organizations. ECSA promotes safe, sustainable, and competitive shipping and lobbies for policies that positively impact the sector.

But also from organisations such as:

• Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) BIMCO (Baltic and International Maritime Council) is an international organisation representing the interests of the shipping industry. Founded in 1905, BIMCO drafts model agreements and clauses for shipowners and shipping companies to use. In addition, BIMCO promotes best practices and policies within the maritime industry worldwide

• The World Shipping Council (WSC)

• Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA)
  
  These responses were coordinated among themselves, which also involved the KVNR and its members. The European Union also submitted a submission. Hearings were held on 24 and 26 March in Washington D.C. ICS, WSC and CSA had registered for these and were given the opportunity to explain their reactions to the proposal.

Currently, the USTR is studying the submitted responses. It appears that the proposal regarding port fees is being adjusted. The adjusted proposal is expected to be published on April 17th.

Given the complexity of the measures and the potentially significant consequences for maritime shipping, it is wise to closely follow developments and, as far as possible, prepare for the different scenarios.

A large number of seagoing vessels are built in China, accounting for even half of all ships. Countries worldwide thus sail with vessels built in China. If we look at the Netherlands, data from the KVNR shows that of the seagoing vessels sailing under the Dutch flag, 67% are built in Europe (half of which in the Netherlands) and 15.8% in China. Additionally, Dutch shipowners also operate many ships under other flags. These are often larger vessels deployed outside of Europe, typically built in Asia.

It might seem a simple solution to ban vessels built in China. However, it's not that straightforward. Seagoing vessels are not easily interchangeable due to the ship's specifications, the type of cargo they carry, and the ports they serve. The proposal only considers that the seagoing vessel has or had a link with China.

Even operators, regardless of the precise meaning of this term, operating fleets comprised of 0% to 25% Chinese-built ships might expect fees of up to $500,000 per U.S. port visit.

We are closely following developments and will keep you informed of updates.