The Chinese Commerce Ministry said on Tuesday it started levying a special port-entry charge of 400 yuan ($56) per net ton on US-linked container ships. It stated that the opening rate will increase annually until it reaches 1,120 yuan by April 17, 2028.It also sanctioned five US-related subsidiaries of South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean, including Hanwha Shipping LLC, Hanwha Philly Shipyard Inc., Hanwha Ocean USA International LLC, Hanwha Shipping Holdings LLC, and HS USA Holdings Corp.
It accused the entities of assisting US Trade Representative investigations involving China’s maritime and shipbuilding sectors, thereby hurting China’s sovereignty and development interests. The sanctions prohibit Chinese organizations and individuals from conducting transactions or cooperating with the listed firms.
“We will fight if we must fight. Our doors are open if the US wants to talk,” an unnamed spokesperson of the Chinese Commerce Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.
