The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is proposing significant trade actions following a Section 301 investigation into China’s strategic efforts to dominate the global maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding industries. The investigation found that China’s policies—driven by decades of top-down industrial planning—have severely harmed U.S. commerce, displacing U.S. companies, restricting competition, and creating dangerous dependencies in critical sectors.
In response, USTR is considering imposing service fees of up to $1.5 million per vessel on Chinese maritime operators and those using Chinese-built ships. Additional restrictions aim to shift U.S. exports to U.S.-built and U.S.-flagged vessels over time, and reduce reliance on Chinese logistics platforms like LOGINK. The proposed actions are designed to restore competition, reduce economic vulnerability, and incentivize investment in U.S. maritime capacity.
USTR is requesting public comments by March 24, 2025, and will hold a public hearing on March 24, 2025. Post-hearing rebuttal comments are due seven days after the hearing. Comments and hearing participation requests must be submitted through USTR’s electronic portal.
