The USTR’s proposed $1.5 million fee on Chinese-built ships has sparked backlash from the maritime industry, citing trade disruption and rising costs. Experts warn it could harm U.S. competitiveness without meaningfully reviving domestic shipbuilding.

The U.S. Trade Representative has proposed a $15 million fee per Chinese vessel entering U.S. ports to counter China’s shipping subsidies.

Global piracy incidents slightly declined in 2024, but Somali piracy resurfaced, and violence against seafarers increased. High-risk areas include the Gulf of Guinea, the Singapore Strait, and the Western Indian Ocean.

The Suez Canal is expected to fully recover by mid-2025 if the Gaza ceasefire holds, with traffic gradually improving by March. Current ship movements remain significantly reduced, impacting global trade flows.

Despite escalating tariffs between the US and China, trade data shows they have been ineffective in reducing the US trade deficit, with imports continuing to outpace exports. Experts suggest tariffs have only caused short-term disruptions, while global trade flows remain largely unaffected.

The shipping industry must achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and scalable maritime green fuels play a crucial role in this transition. This article explores how these sustainable fuels can drive decarbonization efforts.