The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) welcomes reports of an agreement between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to suspend the recently imposed Section 301 port fees.
ICS has been engaged in consultations with the United States Trade Representative (USTR) since the outset of the Section 301 investigation, as well as with the Chinese government, and looks forward to official confirmation and further details.
The reported one-year suspension of US Section 301 port fees on China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors — alongside China’s reciprocal suspension of countermeasures targeting US-linked ships — represents a positive and constructive step for global trade.
ICS supports efforts to strengthen US shipbuilding capacity, as additional commercial tonnage contributes to the overall efficiency and competitiveness of the global maritime industry.
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However, the port fees introduced by the USTR on 14 October 2025, and China’s subsequent countermeasures, have already caused significant challenges and disruptions to international shipping operations.
ICS reiterates its strong advocacy for maintaining the free and efficient movement of global trade and remains committed to working with all governments and industry partners to prevent further disruptions to maritime transport.
