China Imposes Port Fees on U.S. Ships as Trade Tensions Escalate; Trump Vows 100% Tariffs in Response

China has begun collecting port fees on ships owned, operated, or built by U.S. entities or flying the American flag, state broadcaster CCTV reported on Monday, marking a sharp escalation in trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

According to the report, Chinese-built vessels and empty ships entering Chinese shipyards for repairs will be exempt from the new fees.

The move follows Beijing’s decision to sanction five U.S. companies affiliated with South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean shipbuilding firm, citing a trade investigation launched by Washington.

In response, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States will raise tariffs on Chinese imports to 100 percent starting November 1, and impose new export controls on critical software technologies, citing China’s tightening restrictions on rare earth metal exports.