The charges, described by China as measures to “safeguard its shipping industry” from “discriminatory” US actions, apply to US-owned, operated, built, or flagged vessels but exclude Chinese-built ships, according to state media.
The move follows the United States’ plan to impose fees on Chinese ships arriving at its ports starting October 14.
Beijing announced the levies last week alongside new restrictions on rare earth exports. US President Donald Trump responded by threatening an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods.
Also on Tuesday, new US tariffs took effect on imported timber, kitchen cabinets, and upholstered furniture, much of which is sourced from China.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Monday that Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are still expected to meet in South Korea in late October to try to ease trade tensions between the two largest economies.
“The 100% tariff does not have to happen... The relationship, despite this announcement last week, is good. Lines of communication have reopened, so we’ll see where it goes,” Bessent said.
“China’s position is consistent. If there’s a fight, we’ll fight to the end; if there’s a talk, the door is open,” a Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson said Tuesday.
“The US cannot demand talks while simultaneously imposing new restrictive measures with threats and intimidation. This is not the right way to engage with China,” the spokesperson added.
Chinese state media said the US duties on Chinese ships violated a bilateral maritime transport agreement.
In retaliation, vessels linked to the United States are now charged 400 yuan ($56) per net ton when docking at Chinese ports, CCTV reported.
The duties apply to ships operated by US firms or those in which American companies hold a stake of at least 25%.
The fees will rise annually, reaching 1,120 yuan per ton by April 2028, according to CCTV.
Freight analyst Claire Chong said cargo ships carrying dry bulk materials such as coal could face up to $3 million in port fees starting today.
By 2028, ultra-large ships carrying about 200,000 tons may pay more than $10 million, she estimated.
“These fees add up to significant costs for the industry,” said Chong of Thurlestone Shipping.
The exemption for Chinese-built vessels, which make up nearly half of the global dry bulk fleet, could offset some of the new costs, she said.
The measures come despite a tariff truce reached earlier this year.
In May, both sides agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, raising hopes that trade between them would stabilize.
However, US tariffs on Chinese goods remain roughly 30% higher than at the start of the year, while US exports to China still face a 10% levy.