Recently, CMA CGM, the world's third-largest container shipping company, announced that it will not impose additional charges on goods traveling to and from the United States in response to the port fees that the US Trade Representative Office (USTR) is set to implement on October 14. The company has made corresponding adjustments to its fleet.

The port surcharge in China is a fee imposed by the US government on specific ships and goods. It mainly covers the following two categories: Latest update: The US is ready to impose port fees on "Chinese ships"! 

1. For Chinese-operated or Chinese-owned vessels 

Starting from October 14, 2025, the levy will be implemented in stages based on the net tonnage of the vessels. The initial rate is $50 per net ton. It will increase to $80 on April 17, 2026, and to $140 on April 17, 2028. Each vessel can be charged a maximum of 5 times per year, calculated by voyage. 

2. Regarding ships built in China (not operated by China) 

Starting at $18 per net ton, or $120 per container, whichever is higher. 

Starting from 2028, the price will be gradually increased to $33 per net ton and $250 per container. 

Although the final implementation details have not been announced yet, it is reported that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency is developing a fee collection system. 

The reason for the United States' imposition of port fees this time is based on its Section 301 actions. It targets the situation where the US believes that the Chinese government provides "unfair support" to the domestic shipping industry. 

Despite numerous challenges, CMA CGM clearly stated on October 14th, the eve of the policy implementation: "Although this new service fee may pose challenges to our operations, based on the current structure and scope of the service fee, CMA CGM currently does not consider imposing additional charges on goods traveling to and from the United States." At the same time, CMA CGM emphasized that the company is fully prepared and capable of safeguarding the interests of its customers. The company has one of the most flexible and diversified fleets in the shipping industry, which provides a solid foundation for responding to policy changes. 

As early as April 17th, after the US Trade Representative Office announced the port fee policy, CMA CGM Shipping began to formulate corresponding plans. Now, with the implementation date of the policy approaching on October 14th, CMA CGM Shipping is gradually implementing fleet and operation adjustments. The company stated that through these adjustments, it is currently expected to maintain all planned service coverage of US ports while minimizing the impact of the upcoming US port fees, in order to ensure that the shipping needs of customers are not greatly disrupted. 

Meanwhile, CMA CGM is also a member of the Ocean Alliance. This alliance, apart from Evergreen from Taiwan region of China, also includes China's shipping companies Cosco and OOCL, which is a subsidiary of Cosco. 

In terms of the trans-Pacific routes, Maersk Line currently operates approximately 17 routes, of which 10 lead to the west coast of the United States and 7 to the east coast. COSCO Shipping and OOCL have invested a large number of vessels in these routes. In addition, CMA CGM has also carried out various cooperative business activities with COSCO Shipping and/or OOCL through vessel-sharing agreements (VSAs) on some smaller routes.