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China’s new port surcharge on U.S.-flagged vessels has prompted Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd to suspend calls at Chinese ports. With Black Friday approaching, cross-border sellers face higher logistics costs and supply chain risks. Learn how to prepare.
Tariffs haven’t settled, and now port fees are rising. Just before the Black Friday peak season, cross-border sellers face another “black swan” event. Effective October 14, China officially imposed “special port fees” on U.S.-flagged vessels, prompting Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd to suspend calls at Chinese ports. Industry experts widely anticipate this move will further inflate cross-border logistics costs, compelling sellers to prepare countermeasures in advance.
Port Fee War Escalates
On October 14, China’s Ministry of Transport formally implemented the “Measures for Collecting Special Port Fees from U.S.-Flagged Vessels”:
- From October 14, 2025: 400 RMB/net ton
- From April 17, 2026: 640 RMB/net ton
- From April 17, 2027: 880 RMB/net ton
- Effective April 17, 2028: CNY 1,120 per net ton
A maximum of five charges per vessel per year will apply, with each new billing cycle commencing on April 17 annually.
This signals progressively higher port fees over the next three years, significantly increasing operational costs for shipping companies.
Two Major Carriers Lead Adjustments
Impacted by the new regulations, global shipping giants Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd swiftly adjusted their operations:
- “Potomac Express”: Cancelled Ningbo port calls, shifting cargo to Busan, South Korea for transshipment.
- “Maersk Kinloss”: Ceased calling at Ningbo, rerouting cargo via South Korea to the United States.
Both vessels belong to the Gemini Alliance operated by Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, serving the trans-Pacific TP7 route.
Meanwhile, Matson Fast Ships, despite facing substantial port fees, stated it would not pass on costs to customers for now, maintaining stable operations on its China-U.S. express service.
Peak Season Logistics Costs May Rise Again
Industry analyst Linerlytica estimates:
- Maersk faces nearly $400 million in port fees in China
- Zim exceeds $600 million
- MSC, Hapag-Lloyd, and others will also incur high costs
Currently, ocean freight rates on the US West Coast route have surpassed $5,000 per container in September, a 67% increase from July. With port fees compounded by Black Friday peak season demand, the industry widely anticipates another rate hike in October.
Moreover, major couriers have announced peak season surcharges:
- USPS: Holiday surcharges reinstated from October 5 to January 18, 2026
- UPS: Imposing air and ground demand charges starting October 26
- DHL: Adding €0.50 per parcel during Black Friday and Cyber Monday
- Amazon FBA: Sellers in multiple European and North American regions face additional logistics fees
How Should Sellers Prepare for the Black Friday Peak Season?
To mitigate rising shipping costs and port congestion risks, cross-border sellers can implement the following strategies:
- Advance Shipments: Avoid vessel delays and transshipment uncertainties
- Multi-Channel Distribution: Diversify via ocean + air/express to mitigate single-route risks
- Monitor Policy Changes: Stay updated on tariff and port fee dynamics
- Lock in Rates: Prioritize freight forwarders with annual contracts and stable routes
- Optimize Inventory: Balance sales forecasts to prevent stockpiling or shortages
Conclusion
The port fee battle is merely a microcosm of the broader Sino-US strategic competition. For cross-border sellers, Black Friday peak season competition extends beyond traffic and conversion rates—it hinges on supply chain stability. Those who proactively plan and mitigate logistics uncertainties will seize the initiative during the peak season.
👉 Want to learn more about Black Friday logistics solutions? Contact TOPWAY Shipping today. We provide optimal cross-border logistics strategies and customized solutions.
Q1: What is China’s new special port fee policy?
China charges U.S.-flagged vessels 400 RMB/net ton starting October 14, 2025, rising to 1,120 RMB by 2028. Each vessel can be charged up to five times per year.
Q2: Which carriers are affected?
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have rerouted U.S.-flagged ships away from Chinese ports. Matson also pays the surcharge but continues its China–US express service.
Q3: How will this impact shipping costs during Black Friday?
US West Coast freight rates already exceeded $5,000 per container in September. With port surcharges and peak season demand, costs are likely to rise further.
Q4: How should sellers prepare?
Plan shipments early, diversify with air or express options, and lock in freight rates with reliable partners to minimize risks.
👉 Contact TOPWAY Shipping for tailored solutions to stabilize your Black Friday logistics.
