The U.S. Trade Representative’s office is taking steps to address what it sees as unfair competition from China’s maritime industry. After an investigation, the office raised concerns about China’s dominance in shipbuilding, logistics, and maritime operations, arguing it imposes unreasonable burdens on U.S. commerce. To address this, the U.S. is considering imposing fees on Chinese ship owners and operators.
However, not everyone agrees with the plan. One U.S. shipping official called it “catastrophic.” According to O'Neil Commodity Consulting, China built over a third of all commercial ships in 2022, a number that has since dropped to 22%. Despite the shift, China’s continued influence in the sector remains a concern for U.S. industry leaders.
