US Modifies Maritime Fees on Foreign Ships, Adds Tariffs on Chinese Equipment

The United States Trade Representative's office announced modifications to maritime-related fees for foreign-built vessels, including vehicle carriers and liquefied natural gas ships. The changes come just before new port fees on China-linked vessels are scheduled to take effect next week. The USTR is also eliminating a provision that permitted suspension of liquefied natural gas export licenses under certain conditions and creating exemptions for specific ethane and liquefied petroleum gas carriers under long-term charter arrangements.