As you may be aware, the USTR announced on 10 October certain modifications to the actions that will take effect from 14 October 2025, and proposed several further modifications for public consultation (deadline: 12 November 2025). The modifications and proposed modifications are outlined in full in the Federal Register Notice on the USTR website.

Briefly, the key medications to the measures that will take effect on 14 October are related to Annex III (changes in the calculation of the service on vessel operators of foreign-built vehicle carriers), Annex IV (enabling suspension of export licenses for LNG shipments if not meeting certain restrictions on the use of foreign-built vessels), and Annex V ( a 100% tariff on ship-to-shore cranes and other cargo handling equipment from China).

And the proposed modifications that the USTR is seeking comments cover Annex I (addition of an exemption for certain ethane and LPG carriers under long-term charters), Annex II (removal of the exemption for vessels principally identified as “Lakers Vessels” on CBP Form 1300), Annex III (addition of an exemption for US – flagged vessels of up to 10,000DWT), and Annex V (additional tariffs of up to 150% on other maritime cargo handling equipment from China).

SPC(25)65 – Annex A – ICS China Liaison Office report – Further insights on China’s Special Port Service Fees on U.S.-linked vessels

Separately, regarding the counter-measures announced by China, the International Chamber of Shipping (China) Liaison Office has shared some insights gathered from certain authoritative sources in China’s maritime policy and financial sectors. A copy of its report is attached for your reference please.