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With less than a day before new U.S. port fees take effect, the U.S. Trade Representative imposed an extra 150% tariff on Chinese-made cranes and other cargo-handling gear—stacking prior duties to as high as 270%—and shifted roll-on/roll-off vessel fees to a net-tonnage basis. Fees begin Oct. 14, with payments deferrable to Dec. 10. Ports and carriers warn of higher costs and equipment shortages, and one analyst called the levies a headwind for trade. China has announced counter tariffs. USTR also dropped a proposed LNG licensing restriction and kept a targeted exemption for certain Maritime Security Program vessels through 2029.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.