Vehicle carrier operators and trade groups are condemning the USTR’s decision to more than triple port call fees for all foreign-built vessels starting October 14, warning it will severely impact US exporters. The new $46-per-net-ton levy, up from $14, means an average car carrier will pay about $1.2 million per call, capped at five annual visits. Industry leaders, including Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Höegh Autoliners, say the costs will be passed to automakers like Ford and Caterpillar, while smaller operators warn of a collapse in short-sea trade routes. Critics argue the blanket tariff undermines allies and penalizes US manufacturing exports rather than curbing China’s dominance in shipbuilding.
