Trump’s new port fees hit US freight ship owner with $34 million annual tariff bill

New USTR port fees, effective October 14, 2025, are imposing significant costs on US maritime shipping firms, with one major owner facing an estimated $34 million annual tariff bill. These fees target Chinese-built vessels and those operated by Chinese companies, aiming to boost American shipbuilding. The escalating trade tension has led to retaliatory measures from China.