Tue, 14 Oct 2025

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 US-China trade tensions back as port fees take effect

US tariffs also came into effect on imported timber, kitchen cabinets and upholstered furniture.

* New fees on US ships arriving in Chinese ports have come into effect, as part of trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.
* China says the charges aim to "safeguard its shipping industry" from "discriminatory" measures by the US.
* The new fees apply only to US-owned or operated vessels, but not those built or flagged in China.
* The move is a retaliatory measure as the US prepares to start charging fees on Chinese ships arriving in its ports from October 14.
* Beijing has also tightened controls on rare earth exports and announced new tariffs on certain US imports.
* A meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping in South Korea later this month is still expected, despite increasing tensions.
* The Chinese commerce ministry said the US duties on Chinese ships violate a maritime transport agreement between the two countries.
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