China suspends port fees on US-linked ships for one year amid trade thaw
China has announced a temporary suspension of port fees on ships linked to the United States, a move seen as a gesture aimed at easing trade tensions and fostering greater maritime cooperation between the world’s two largest economies. The one-year suspension, which takes effect immediately, is expected to lower costs for shipping companies and facilitate smoother cargo movement across key trade routes.
The decision was unveiled by China’s Ministry of Transport on Monday, stating that the policy applies to vessels owned, operated, or leased by American companies conducting trade with Chinese ports. The exemption will cover port entry charges, anchorage fees, and certain service levies, which often represent a significant portion of shipping costs. Officials described the measure as part of Beijing’s broader effort to “stabilize global supply chains and promote mutual trust” in international trade.
The move comes at a delicate time in China-US relations, as both governments seek to manage economic competition while maintaining channels of dialogue. Over the past year, trade talks between Beijing and Washington have resumed following years of tension marked by tariffs, export controls, and restrictions on high-tech goods. Analysts see the suspension of port fees as a pragmatic step that could build goodwill and provide relief to global shipping networks still recovering from pandemic-era disruptions.
Shipping industry experts welcomed the announcement, noting that the fee suspension will particularly benefit bulk carriers, container operators, and energy transporters that frequently operate between major ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Los Angeles, and Seattle. “It is a small but meaningful confidence-building measure,” said maritime analyst Chen Yihong. “It shows China wants to project stability and economic openness at a time when the global trade outlook remains uncertain.”
For China, the decision also reflects a strategic interest in supporting its coastal logistics hubs, which have faced slowing export volumes in recent months. Reducing costs for foreign shippers could help sustain port activity and reinforce China’s role as a cornerstone of global trade infrastructure.
The United States has not yet issued an official response, but U.S. business groups operating in Asia have praised the move as a constructive gesture. The American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai said in a statement that it “appreciates China’s willingness to take practical steps to facilitate commerce and strengthen supply chain resilience.”
While the suspension is currently set for one year, Chinese authorities have indicated that its continuation could depend on trade conditions and progress in bilateral cooperation. If extended, the measure could help anchor a more stable economic relationship between Beijing and Washington, one that emphasizes collaboration over confrontation.
