Assessing the Impact of China's New Port Fees on U.S. Shipping and Global Trade Chains

The U.S.-China trade war has entered a new phase with the implementation of retaliatory port fees, creating seismic shifts in global shipping costs and trade dynamics. Starting October 14, 2025, China imposed a fee of 400 yuan ($56) per net ton on U.S.-owned, -operated, or -flagged vessels, with annual increases culminating in 1,200 yuan ($168) per ton by 2028, according to a CNBC report. The U.S. responded with a three-tiered fee structure, including $50 per net ton for Chinese-owned vessels and additional charges for Chinese-built ships, according to GHY. These measures, framed as reciprocal actions under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, are reshaping maritime logistics and creating fertile ground for strategic investment in diversified logistics and supply chain firms.

The Financial and Operational Impact on Shipping

The immediate effect of these fees is a surge in operational costs for shipping companies. A typical 13,000 TEU container ship could face port fees of $3.25 million per rotation in 2025, escalating to $9.1 million by 2028, according to a second CNBC report. These costs are likely to be passed on to shippers, inflating global freight rates and disrupting trade flows. For instance, the U.S. trucking industry is already grappling with a 40% month-over-month drop in flatbed truck availability, exacerbating capacity constraints, according to an Accio analysis. Meanwhile, maritime bottlenecks in the Suez Canal and declining Chinese imports further complicate logistics operations, the Accio analysis adds.

The uncertainty around fee classifications-particularly for vessels financed through Chinese leasing arrangements-has prompted companies to restructure financing to avoid higher charges, according to Seatrade Maritime. This regulatory ambiguity is driving demand for compliance expertise and digital tools to track vessel ownership and financing structures.

Strategic Opportunities in Logistics and Supply Chain Firms

Amid these disruptions, logistics firms are capitalizing on trade diversification and increased shipping costs. The "China-plus-one" strategy, which relocates production to Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Europe, is creating new hubs for logistics activity. For example, JD Logistics and Cainiao Network have expanded overseas warehouses in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, improving delivery times by 30–40%, according to an ECER analysis. The China-Europe Railway Express has also seen a 25% year-on-year increase in trips, the ECER analysis notes.

JD Logistics reported a 14.1% year-on-year revenue increase in H1 2025, driven by its integrated supply chain solutions and global expansion, according to a Benzinga report. Similarly, Cainiao Network's cross-border fulfillment revenue grew 16%, with a 30% surge in single-quarter revenue, the Benzinga report adds. These firms are leveraging localized expertise, such as Mandarin-speaking staff, to assist Chinese manufacturers in navigating regulatory environments in Vietnam, Thailand, and other emerging markets, the ECER analysis observes.

Investment opportunities are also emerging in Southeast Asia, where infrastructure gaps of $60 billion present a chance for logistics firms to partner with governments and private investors, according to a McKinsey report. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are being deployed to enhance supply chain visibility, enabling firms to simulate disruptions and optimize sourcing locations, the McKinsey report notes.

The Role of "Friendshoring" and Digital Resilience

The U.S. and China's strategic competition is accelerating "friendshoring," where businesses partner with politically aligned countries to mitigate geopolitical risks, the Accio analysis argues. This trend is boosting demand for logistics providers that can design multi-regional supply chains. For instance, DHL and Dimerco are expanding their networks in Indonesia and Vietnam, which received $33 billion and $16 billion in greenfield manufacturing FDI in 2023, respectively, according to the McKinsey report.

Digital tools are also critical to maintaining resilience. Real-time tracking technologies and digital twins are helping firms identify vulnerabilities before they escalate, the Accio analysis reports. The suspension of the U.S. "de minimis" exemption for low-value goods has further intensified demand for compliance-focused logistics solutions, with e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu facing operational challenges, the Accio analysis adds.

Conclusion: A Call for Strategic Investment

The U.S.-China port fee tensions are not merely a short-term disruption but a catalyst for long-term structural changes in global trade. Logistics firms that adapt to these shifts-through regional diversification, technological innovation, and compliance expertise-are poised to outperform. Investors should prioritize companies with strong Southeast Asia exposure, AI-driven supply chain tools, and partnerships in infrastructure development. As trade routes evolve and shipping costs rise, the logistics sector's ability to navigate complexity will define its role in the new geopolitical landscape.