Editor’s note:The U.S.'s imposition of port fees on Chinese ships is a discriminatory measure that violates WTO rules and international freight principles. It not only artificially increases the cost of Sino-U.S. maritime w88, disrupts the order of shipping cooperation, but also harms its own interests in the long run. Against this background, the Ministry of Transport of China issued the implementation measures for collecting special port fees from US ships to respond to the challenge with reciprocal, legal and transparent measures.CCTV-2 "CCTV Financial Review" specially invited teacher Yu Xinding from the w88 casino, provide you with an in-depth explanation of the logic and meaning behind this move.
Reciprocal countermeasures demonstrate China’s determination to safeguard fairness and rules
Moderator:The Ministry of Transport today issued the Implementation Measures for the Collection of Special Port Fees from U.S. Ships and has officially begun implementation. There are 10 measures in total, which mainly include the basis for formulation, collection scope, collection standards, collection entities, etc. So why does our country need to take measures to decisively counter the U.S.’s increase in port fees? What signals are released behind this? Teacher Yu comes to talk to us first.
Yu Xinding:Okay, the United States’ practice of levying port taxes on Chinese ships is a very obviously discriminatory practice. We should see that, first of all, it violates the most-favored-nation principle of the WTO. At the same time, in the field of international freight, we have long followed the principle of non-discrimination. Such an approach by the United States also undermines this principle. We should realize that international shipping is a very special international public good and it should not become a political tool for any country. Under such a situation, we have proposed such an implementation method, which can be said to be necessary, rational, and a reciprocal response in accordance with the law. So behind it, on the one hand, it shows China's determination to safeguard its own interests, and on the other hand, it also shows our attitude of handling things through legalized and institutionalized methods when facing international challenges.
It sends a series of signals. For example, we in China firmly uphold fairness and we will not allow any discriminatory measures to harm our own interests. Second, under this principle, the countermeasures we have taken are well-founded and principled. We can see that they are reciprocal and implemented in accordance with the law. Third, at the same time, we should also realize that in the process of taking such measures, China is still committed to openness and cooperation, and reciprocity means that we do not want this contradiction to expand. At the same time, if the other party is said to have violated fairness and adopted discriminatory measures, then we must also give a corresponding response. Therefore, China's series of actions show the proper attitude of a responsible big country.
Reciprocity, legality, transparency, and reasonable countermeasures in accordance with the law
Moderator:Ships operated by companies in which U.S. entities hold more than 25% of the shares are also subject to the tax. How does Mr. Yu evaluate the countermeasures currently taken by our country? What kind of principle does this reflect on us?
Yu Xinding:I think the countermeasures we have taken are essentially different from the measures the United States has taken against us. The measures taken by the United States are based on country lines, so they are only levied on Chinese ships, so this is a very clear discriminatory approach. We have also seen that in this comparison, China's measures, such countermeasures, fully follow the principles of reciprocity, legality, and openness and transparency. If we want to be specific, first of all we counterattack in accordance with the law. We just mentioned the measures issued by the Ministry of Transport of China. Its formulation is based on the law, and the specific scope of our countermeasures and clear methods are in line with international practice. It can be said that it shows China's confidence in such a system in dealing with it.
At the same time, our countermeasures are also principled. We in China are definitely not rule breakers. However, when other countries say that they have such discriminatory practices, we must respond reciprocally. The third point is a specially mentioned point. China's countermeasures have a bottom line. In such measures, we do not target any third-country ships, that is, ships from other countries can enter and exit our Chinese ports normally. This demonstrates China's rational responsibilities as a responsible big country, and conveys our attitude of always firmly pursuing the principles of rule of law, fairness, and openness.
The US approach disrupts the order of shipping cooperation and undermines the mutually beneficial and win-win situation
Moderator:Then let’s discuss in detail how the increase in port fees imposed by the United States will damage the maritime w88 between China and the United States, and what impact it will have on itself.
Yu Xinding:We know that the volume of w88 between China and the United States is very large, and most of it is goods w88. As for goods w88, about 80% to 90% of it, if calculated in terms of freight volume, needs to be completed by sea. Therefore, this approach of the United States undoubtedly adds an artificial cost to the freight link between China and the United States, which will naturally have a certain destructive effect on freight. So in the short term, the United States has collected a certain amount of additional taxes, but in the long term, I think this is an act of shooting itself in the foot.
First of all, the shipping pattern between China and the United States has been mutually beneficial and complementary in the long run. However, the United States’ approach has destroyed such a pattern. The high-efficiency transportation of our Chinese ports, as well as the rapid development of China's shipbuilding industry, actually support the import demand of the United States to a large extent. Imposing fees on Chinese ships will inevitably be passed on to the price of this commodity. Whether it is transmitted to the price of final consumer goods or the price of intermediate inputs imported from the United States in our production and supply chain, who ultimately pays the bill? Then American consumers will naturally have to pay for it.
If you look at the international competitiveness of this port in the United States, it has problems such as low efficiency, high labor costs, and some old facilities. Imposing more complex fees would make his port less attractive internationally. International freight has always paid great attention to efficiency and cost. When the cost of entering ports in the United States becomes high, international freight companies will naturally look for ports in other regions as alternatives. In this case, we may see that the United States will be faced with a situation in the future where it is said that I can collect the fee, but cannot wait for the ship to arrive. Such a situation may arise.
Attachment: original video linkhttps://tv.cctv.cn/2025/10/14/VIDEVpY9fV79lZLoenxRQkVB251014.shtml
