Q: We have noted that the Ministry of Transport of PRC has issued an announcement regarding countermeasures in response to the United States’ Section 301 investigation and restrictive measures targeting China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. Could you please provide further details?

A: On April 17, Eastern Time, the Office of the United States Trade Representative announced the final actions resulting from its Section 301 investigation into China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. Among these, the actions imposing port fees on certain Chinese vessels are scheduled to take effect on October 14. The U.S. actions constitute a clear example of unilateralism and are overtly discriminatory, seriously harming the interests of Chinese enterprises. China has expressed strong dissatisfaction and repeated firm opposition.

In order to safeguard the legitimate interests of the domestic industries concerned, relevant Chinese authorities, in accordance with the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on International Maritime Transport and other applicable provisions, will impose special port fees on vessels that involve U.S. elements—specifically, those flying the U.S. flag, built in the U.S., or owned, partially owned, or operated by U.S. companies. These countermeasures will enter into force simultaneously with the U.S. port fees on October 14.

China emphasizes that the aforementioned measures are defensive in nature and aimed at upholding a level playing field in the global shipping and shipbuilding markets. China urges the U.S. side to carefully weigh its position, rectify its erroneous practices, work with China in the same direction, and resolve this issue through equal-footed consultation and cooperation.