China Sanctioned Hanwha Units Amid New U.S. Port Fees
Operators should monitor escalating maritime tariffs that raise costs for ships built in China or owned by Chinese firms.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in International Trade
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China has imposed sanctions on five U.S.-based subsidiaries of Hanwha Ocean in response to new American port fees targeting Chinese shipping operations. These levies, which fluctuate based on ship origin and ownership, mark a significant escalation in maritime trade friction.
Why it matters
The U.S. introduced these fees to bolster domestic shipbuilding and address Chinese maritime activities, directly raising operating costs for international logistics providers. Businesses reliant on global maritime supply chains face immediate expense increases as these new, tiered port charges take effect.
The U.S. has implemented port fees reaching $50 per ton for Chinese-operated vessels, with rates set to rise to $140 per ton after 2028. Additionally, non-U.S. car carriers face a $46 per ton charge, impacting fleet operators like Hyundai Glovis.
The players
Hanwha Ocean
A major South Korean shipbuilding and defense conglomerate that recently acquired the Philly Shipyard for $100 million.
Lee Jae Myung
The President who oversaw the visit to the U.S. shipbuilding site in August 2026.
The details
The new U.S. fees allow for up to five charges per vessel annually, significantly altering the cost profile for trans-oceanic shipping. China’s retaliatory sanctions prohibit any local organizations or individuals from engaging in transactions or cooperation with the identified Hanwha subsidiaries, including Hanwha Ocean USA International and Philly Shipyard. These moves follow a 2023 divergence in naval strength, where China reported 328 vessels compared to 291 for the U.S.
Timeline
2023: China surpassed the U.S. in total naval vessel count.
August 2026: President Lee Jae Myung visited the U.S. shipyard site.
September 29, 2026: China announced sanctions and U.S. port fees began.
After 2028: U.S. port fees on Chinese vessels reach $140/ton.
Market Landscape
This development follows the precedent set by the U.S. Section 301 investigation into maritime trade practices. It highlights a intensifying cycle of protectionist measures designed to reorganize global shipbuilding supply chains.
Operators managing logistics should immediately account for these per-ton surcharges in their 2027 shipping budget forecasts. Consult with freight forwarders to assess if current contracts for car carriers or Chinese-built vessels include pass-through clauses for new port fees.
The takeaway
The intersection of retaliatory sanctions and escalating port fees signals a period of heightened volatility for companies with deep ties to both the U.S. and Chinese maritime sectors. Review the ownership and construction origin of your leased vessel fleet to identify immediate liability for the new $46 to $50 per ton charges.
Further reading
For broader trends in global logistics policy, visit the International Trade section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 한겨레신문.
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