U.S. Hits China with 100% Tariffs on Shipping Cranes
Published Date: 10/16/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. is changing its trade rules to push back against China’s moves in shipping, logistics, and shipbuilding. New fees and big 100% tariffs on certain Chinese cargo equipment kick in this fall, while some rules get relaxed for specific vessel operators. Businesses involved in these sectors should act fast—comments on these changes are open until November 10, 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
10 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 5 costs, 0 mixed.
100% tariff on STS cranes
The U.S. is imposing additional duties of 100 percent on ship-to-shore (STS) cranes effective November 9, 2025. Cranes that fulfill contracts dated prior to April 17, 2025 and that enter the United States before April 18, 2027 are grandfathered and not subject to the 100 percent duty.
100% duties on intermodal chassis and parts
The U.S. is imposing additional duties of 100 percent on certain intermodal chassis and specified chassis parts (HTS subheadings listed in Annex V.A) effective November 9, 2025. The scope covers chassis and specified subassemblies and parts as described in the notice.
New $46 per net-ton vessel service fee
The service fee for vessel operators of foreign-built vehicle carriers will be based on net tons and set at $46 per net ton as of October 14, 2025. The fee collection is limited to five times per calendar year, per vessel.
Proposed up to 150% tariffs on other cargo equipment
USTR proposes a new Annex V.B to impose additional tariffs of up to 150 percent on other cargo handling equipment (listed examples include rubber tire gantry cranes, rail-mounted gantry cranes, automatic stacking cranes, reachstackers, straddle carriers, terminal tractors, top handlers, and parts). USTR is requesting comments on product scope, rates, and timing.
Exemption for Maritime Security Program vessels
Operators of vessels in the Maritime Security Program and operators of U.S. Government vessels are exempted from the Annex III service fee; this targeted coverage expires, unless renewed, on April 18, 2029.
Removal of LNG license-suspension authority
USTR removed paragraph (j) of Annex IV retroactive to April 17, 2025, eliminating the provision that would have allowed USTR to direct suspension of licensing for liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments if certain schedule requirements were not met.
Deferred fee payment window for certain vessels
Operators of vessels identified under ICST codes 130, 131, 139, 325, 332, 333, and 338 (including certain liquefied gas carriers and vehicle carriers) may defer payment of Annex I or Annex III service fees from October 14, 2025 through December 10, 2025.
Proposed targeted coverage for small export-support vessels
USTR proposes to add a targeted coverage provision under Annex III for vessels of up to 10,000 deadweight tons (DWT) to address smaller vessels that support certain short-sea U.S. exports; the proposed targeted coverage would expire, unless renewed, on April 18, 2029.
Proposed removal of Lakers targeted coverage
USTR proposes removing the targeted coverage that had applied to certain Chinese-built 'Lakers' vessels under Annex II, meaning those vessels would no longer be eligible for that targeted coverage if the proposal is adopted.
Proposed targeted coverage for ethane and LPG carriers
USTR proposes adding a targeted coverage provision under Annex I for certain carriers that transport ethane and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to allay concerns about impacts on specialized vessels carrying these products.
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