U.S. Section 301 Maritime Tariffs Introduced: What Businesses Need to Know
October 2025 – The U.S. government has announced new maritime tariffs under Section 301, targeting vessels linked to China and foreign-built vehicle carriers. These measures, effective from October 14, 2025, follow a U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) investigation into China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors.
The investigation concluded that certain practices have disadvantaged U.S. companies and workers. In response, the new tariffs aim to strengthen domestic shipbuilding, reduce reliance on foreign-built vessels, and promote long-term maritime competitiveness.
Phased Implementation
To allow businesses time to adjust, the tariffs will be introduced in phases. A 180-day transition period is in place, during which fees will be set at zero. After this period, the following charges will apply:
- $50 per net ton for vessels owned or operated by Chinese entities, increasing by $30/NT annually for three years.
- The higher of $18 per net ton or $120 per container for vessels built in China, with annual increases.
- $150 per Car Equivalent Unit (CEU) for foreign-built vehicle carriers, to incentivize U.S.-built alternatives.
- LNG tankers (vessel type 132) are exempt from these fees.
Fees are assessed per U.S. voyage, not per port call, and are capped at five voyages per year per vessel. Only one fee applies per voyage. Certain exemptions may apply, including for vessels ordered from U.S. shipyards.
Business Impact
These changes are expected to affect shipping costs, vessel availability, and compliance procedures. Businesses may need to review contracts, assess exposure based on vessel origin and ownership, and plan alternative routes or carriers to mitigate cost and disruption.
At Uniserve, we’re closely monitoring these developments and supporting our clients in navigating the operational and compliance impacts. If you need guidance on how these changes may affect your supply chain, our team is here to help – please email us at crmteam@ugroup.co.uk to discuss further.