U.S. concerns surrounding the proliferation of the Chinese shipbuilding industry pre-date the current tariff wars. Under the previous Biden administration, on March 12, 2024, various U.S. labor unions filed a petition requesting an investigation into the acts, policies, and practices of China targeting the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors for dominance.
Following a year-long investigation, including input from industry and a public consultation, the United States Trade Representative (“USTR”) determined that China’s targeting of the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors for dominance is unreasonable and burdens or restricts U.S. commerce and is therefore actionable under Sections 301(b) and 304(a) of the Trade Act.Continue Reading U.S. section 301 strikes back: Additional U.S. port service fees on vessels with China nexus; potential far-reaching implications for leaseback arrangements