US DEVELOPMENTS – FEBRUARY 2025
Attached at Annex A, please find the monthly report prepared by the Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA) for February 2025.
The report at Annex A:
1. Reports on the USTR’s determination that China’s practices in maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors constitute unfair trade practices under Section 301, leading to proposed measures such as substantial port fees on Chinese vessels and mandated quotas for US-flagged exports;
2. Identifies that, on February 5, the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on strengthening US maritime infrastructure. Key topics included revitalising shipbuilding, supporting the Jones Act, funding projects and regulating autonomous technologies;
3. And updates on the Ships for America Act, which is expected to be reintroduced this spring and aims to expand the U.S.-flag fleet, boost shipbuilding and invest in maritime security and workforce training. It also proposes cargo preferences for U.S.-flag vessels and streamlining regulations.
The ICS is in close contact with the Chamber of Shipping of America about these issues and have arranged a meeting with ICS Members on 7th March to discuss and refine ICS’s comments for submission to the USTR hearing. If any HKSOA Members have any comments that they would like HKSOA to put forward to the ICS please advise by noon on Friday 7th March.