The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) responded today to the U.S. Trade Representative’s final action stemming from the Section 301 investigation, acknowledging improvements but warning that significant challenges remain for the shipping industry and consumers.
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The finalized USTR plan introduces scaled fees on Chinese vessels and proposes steep tariffs on cargo-handling equipment (CHE), including ship-to-shore cranes. While softer than the original proposal, the AAPA says the policy will still increase shipping costs and disrupt critical port operations.
“America’s ports appreciate the Trump Administration’s responsiveness to industry concerns,” said Cary S. Davis, AAPA President and CEO. “However, this policy will raise the cost of shipping, reduce volumes through U.S. trade gateways, and make essential goods, especially automobiles, more expensive for everyday consumers.”
Ro-Ro Ports Face Hefty Cost Burdens
AAPA raised alarm over the new $150-per-car fee imposed on foreign-built vehicle carriers. For ports handling roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) cargo, this fee could approach $1 million per vessel, disproportionately impacting facilities that specialize in automobile imports.
Crane Tariffs Called a ‘Crippling Tax’
Davis also expressed concern about the potential 270% tariff on ship-to-shore cranes, warning that it could severely undermine port development. “There are currently no U.S. manufacturers of these cranes,” he said. “Without federal incentives to build domestic capacity, these tariffs amount to a crippling tax on expansion.”
Call for Congressional Action
AAPA joined 316 other trade associations in voicing opposition to the tariffs and submitted comments based on economic research highlighting the risks to the broader supply chain. The organization is now encouraging ports to contact members of Congress and push for legislation to establish tax credits for U.S.-made CHE.
“Ports support the reshoring of critical equipment manufacturing,” said Davis, “but we need practical solutions—not policies that punish our ports and slow the economy.”
