China has extended the suspension of three maritime measures targeting US shipping and shipbuilding interests until January 10, 2027, following the outcomes of the eighth round of China-US economic and trade consultations.

China will continue to suspend the implementation of three measures previously introduced by the Ministry of Transport, following approval by the State Council.

The suspended measures include:

Special port fees on US vessels: The suspension of the Ministry of Transport's Announcement No. 54 of 2025, which introduced special port charges on US ships calling at Chinese ports.

Implementation rules: The suspension of the accompanying implementation measures, issued under Document No. 59 of 2025, which set out how the charges would be collected.

Shipping and shipbuilding industry investigation: The suspension of Announcement No. 55 of 2025, which launched an investigation into the impact of US measures on China's shipping, shipbuilding and related supply chains.

The suspension will remain in effect until January 10, 2027.

Background to the China-US maritime dispute

The three measures were introduced amid escalating trade tensions between China and the United States over maritime transport, shipbuilding and supply chains.

The dispute included US measures targeting Chinese-built, Chinese-owned and Chinese-operated vessels, as well as China's subsequent response involving special port fees and an investigation into the impact of US policies on its maritime industries.

The latest decision follows the eighth round of China-US economic and trade consultations and represents a continuation of the temporary suspension of the measures.

Implications for shipping

The extension means that the special port fees targeting US vessels will remain suspended for the time being, providing greater certainty for shipping companies operating between the two countries.

However, the decision represents a suspension rather than a formal cancellation of the measures. Their future implementation will remain an important issue to watch as bilateral trade negotiations continue.