US DEVELOPMENTS – January 2025
Attached at Annex A, please find the monthly report prepared by the Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA) for January 2025.
The report at Annex A:
1. Advises that the Panama Canal Repurchase Act of 2025 (HR 283) allows the President to negotiate reacquisition and requires a status report to Congress within 180 days. While industry talks focus on efficiency, the Trump Administration prioritises national security and China’s influence;
2. Notes that the Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing on January 28, 2025, examining the Panama Canal’s impact on U.S. trade, rising fees and potential Chinese influence. Testimony highlighted the U.S.-Panama Neutrality Treaty, which allows intervention if canal neutrality is compromised;
3. Updates that the U.S. Trade Representative ruled that China’s targeting of maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors is unreasonable and restricts U.S. commerce. The decision does not address remedies yet, but industry input is expected in the next phase. A proposed remedy includes a port fee on China-built vessels calling in the U.S.;
4. Provides details on the USCG’s Cybersecurity in the Marine Transportation System final rule, published on January 17, 2025, though it may be affected by the Regulatory Freeze Order and Congressional Review Act. While the rule is final, public comments are open on delaying implementation for U.S.-flagged vessels by 2–5 years; and
5. Highlights the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s withdrawal of the proposed North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule, citing insufficient time to finalise it due to extensive public comments. The rule would have expanded vessel speed restrictions, affecting more vessel classes and geographic areas, including pilot boats.
The ICS Secretariat will monitor closely the issues outlined in the reports above, and members are kindly invited to direct any comment or question on the attached reports to Meme Lamlum, Policy Adviser at (meme.lamlum@ics-shipping.org)