Hong Kong must become aware of the perils of US port and maritime concerns

[WORLD] As U.S. President Donald Trump escalates tariffs on Chinese imports, concerns of a deepening trade war cast a shadow over the global economy. While much of the public focus remains on consumer goods and manufacturing, a quieter but potentially more transformative front has emerged—one that could reshape the global maritime trade landscape.

On April 17, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) concluded a probe into China’s shipbuilding and maritime industries, citing unfair practices. Prompted by a petition from five major American labor unions, the investigation accused Beijing of leveraging state subsidies and market manipulation to gain dominance in critical maritime sectors, undercutting international competition.

In response, Washington unveiled a slate of policy measures with significant ramifications. Among them are per-voyage service fees on Chinese-built or Chinese-operated vessels entering U.S. ports, as well as proposed tariffs on key Chinese-made port equipment such as ship-to-shore cranes. Ocean carriers operating Chinese-built vessels could face charges of up to $1.5 million per U.S. port call. Additionally, carriers transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) will now be required to use U.S.-built ships, effectively phasing out Chinese vessels from this strategic trade.

These moves are part of a broader maritime strategy outlined in President Trump’s Executive Order 14269, which seeks to revive the U.S. maritime sector through domestic shipbuilding incentives, closer international coordination, and strategic investment from allies.

The implications for Hong Kong are especially acute. Once recognized as a separate customs territory, the region will now be treated the same as mainland China for trade purposes. As a result, goods manufactured, shipped through, or exported from Hong Kong will face elevated tariffs and heightened scrutiny—undermining its status as a major international logistics and re-export hub.

The proposed measures reflect a broader U.S. effort to reduce reliance on Chinese infrastructure and bolster national economic security. Revenues generated from the new fees are earmarked for reinvestment in domestic maritime programs, while Washington also seeks alignment with allied nations to coordinate policy. For the global shipping industry, the financial implications could be considerable, with major operators bracing for increased costs and potential disruptions to international supply chains.