China may impose punitive port charges and restrict access to its ports for ships serving US routes in response to new US fees targeting Chinese-linked vessels, according to amended maritime transport regulations, reports Xinhua.

The regulations allow for countermeasures against countries imposing discriminatory restrictions on Chinese maritime operators, including port fees, vessel bans, and data access limits. Though unnamed, the US is the clear target of the new rules.

The US fees, set to take effect October 14, follow an investigation into China's alleged unfair trade practices in shipping and shipbuilding. The charges aim to curb China's dominance and support American-flag carriers and shipyards.

US-flag lines calling China include American President Lines and Matson, while Germany's Hapag-Lloyd operates US-flag priority services under special agreements. Other global carriers also serve the China-US trade.

Since April, carriers have reshuffled transpacific services to avoid fee exposure. Hapag-Lloyd said it will not impose surcharges, while Cosco has reduced Chinese-built vessel (CBV) capacity on US-bound routes.

Consultant Peter Sand said Cosco swapped out 52,000 TEUs of CBV capacity on its USEC3 service between March and November, maintaining overall service levels by replacing vessels rather than cutting them.

Mr Sand noted that such adjustments help carriers comply with regulations while preserving operational stability. He said the changes will affect cost exposure, routing strategies and supply chain resilience for ports and shippers.