China has intensified its maritime dispute with the US by introducing reciprocal levies targeting the capital markets.
The move follows Washington’s decision to impose port fees on Chinese-built or flagged vessels.
In response, Beijing has implemented tariffs on ships owned or operated by entities with at least 25 per cent American ownership.
While the measures are similar in scale, China’s approach could have broader commercial implications.
According to Reuters, companies such as BHP and Vale—both of which have US-listed shares—may be affected, regardless of whether their vessels were built in China.
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The original US proposal sought to impose significantly higher fees to boost domestic shipbuilding, a sector with limited global market share.
However, following industry pushback, the final policy was revised to include exemptions for many US-based operators.
China’s response highlights its willingness to defend its position in global maritime trade, even at the risk of disrupting supply chains.
With its extensive influence in shipping, Beijing is positioned to counter US measures while targeting the financial exposure of US-linked firms.
