Signal US Section 301 action and maritime executive order target Chinese shipbuilding

Summary

Washington opened a Section 301 investigation into non-market practices in China's shipbuilding, maritime and logistics sectors in April 2024 and announced in February 2025 that those practices were harming the US. On 9 April 2025, President Trump signed an executive order on restoring America's maritime dominance, aimed at reviving commercial and naval shipbuilding capacity, component supply chains, ship repair, shipping capacity and port infrastructure. The order directed further action under Section 301 and cooperation with allies and partners, including Korea and Japan, to reduce dependence on China. Measures include tariffs on ship-to-shore cranes and other cargo-handling equipment linked to Chinese parts or ownership. It also announced fees on Chinese ships and international shipping services from October 2025, plus a 10 percent service fee to stop firms from avoiding port charges by unloading in Canada or Mexico.