WASHINGTON D.C.: The World Shipping Council has joined a broad coalition of maritime, agriculture, manufacturing, retail and logistics organisations calling on the U.S. Trade Representative to permanently suspend Section 301 port fees.
In a joint letter, the organisations welcome the proposed two-month extension of the suspension until 9 January 2027, warning that reinstating the fees would increase costs for U.S. businesses and consumers, undermine the competitiveness of American exporters and create further uncertainty across supply chains. The coalition calls instead for sustained investment and long-term policies to strengthen U.S. shipbuilding and maritime competitiveness.
Read WSC’s own comments to the USTR here
The World Shipping Council fully supports the Administration’s goal of revitalizing the U.S. maritime and shipbuilding industry. A strong U.S. maritime sector will be best fostered through sustained legislative solutions (to include appropriations) that provide predictable investment opportunities for the private sector, increased government support where appropriate, and a commitment to improving mariner education and shipbuilding apprenticeships, not through sweeping penalties or fees. For these reasons, WSC urges USTR to adopt the further suspension and permanently suspend the fees.
