A major global shipping trade association is raising “serious concerns” over the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative’s plans to impose port fees in response to Chinese practices in the shipbuilding sector, saying the measures are overly punitive to larger vessels that carry essential goods to the U.S. and objecting to a previously unannounced fee on foreign-built car carriers.
April 19, 2025
World Trade Online
News analysis
President Trump has repeatedly said he is willing to make a trade deal with Beijing -- if China calls first -- that could ease trade tensions and lower steep tariffs on both, but the two sides are not close to commencing talks and likely will have to feel some economic pain before agreeing to negotiate, according to analysts.
A broad coalition of agricultural groups is urging congressional leaders to continue their support for U.S. membership and leadership in the World Trade Organization, arguing that while reforms are needed, the WTO has provided “meaningful economic and political stability” that is critical for U.S. producers.
Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) is calling on the Trump administration to reverse its plan to withdraw from a 2019 agreement with Mexican tomato producers suspending duties on their tomatoes, warning that U.S. consumers cannot afford a “tomato tax.”
The Trump administration’s emerging trade policy is “becoming a corrupt scheme to enrich administration officials and those loyal to them,” nearly 50 House and Senate Democrats warned on Wednesday, demanding that administration officials explain how they will prevent “self-dealing” if they grant tariff exemptions to companies or countries.
The Trump administration is poised to impose port fees on Chinese-operated and -built ships based on their net tonnage, with exceptions for U.S.-owned vessels, as the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on Thursday unveiled its determinations on responsive actions stemming from a yearlong investigation into Chinese practices in the shipbuilding sector.