IAPH is among many leading maritime organisations keeping a close watch on the sector response to a US Trade Representative (USTR) proposal targeting Chinese maritime and shipbuilding interests. USTR Section 301 would introduce measures, including fees of up to $1.5M, on Chinese-built vessels entering US ports and requirements for a percentage of US exports to be transported on US-flagged and US-built vessels. The measures could have devastating effects on ports, carriers and importers, given the overwhelming percentage of cargo ships built in China. The public consultation on these measures runs until 24 March. Last week, IAPH and Mercator Media held a webinar focused on the impact of geopolitical changes on ports (more details below) featuring insights from Cary Davis, president and CEO of the American Association of Ports Authorities (AAPA). Last week, the International Chamber of Shipping ran a special webinar focused on ‘proposed remedies to USTR 301’ featuring contributions from BIMCO, Intertanko and the World Shipping Council. You can view a recording of that webinar here.
