China Pauses Port Fees on U.S.-Linked Vessels for One Year

China has suspended port fees on vessels linked to the United States for a period of one year, the country’s Ministry of Transport announced on Monday. The move follows Washington’s decision to temporarily halt punitive measures targeting China’s shipping and shipbuilding industries.

The reciprocal actions align with agreements reached between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping during a bilateral summit held in South Korea last month.

According to the transport ministry, the suspension took effect from 13:01 local time (0501 GMT) on Monday.

Beijing also welcomed the November 9 announcement by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to pause for one year all Section 301-related punitive measures against China. The Section 301 investigation had previously accused Beijing of unfair trade practices.

In a separate statement, China’s Commerce Ministry said the country remains open to dialogue.
“China is willing to communicate and consult with the U.S. on relevant issues on the basis of mutual respect and equal consultation,” the ministry stated.

The USTR also confirmed that negotiations will take place between both nations, though details and timelines for the consultations remain unclear.

China’s commerce ministry described the U.S. gesture as “an important step” toward implementing earlier trade consensus, adding that it hopes Washington will continue to work toward stabilizing bilateral ties.

Additionally, the ministry announced a one-year suspension of sanctions imposed on five U.S.-linked subsidiaries of South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean Co. Ltd.

The latest developments mark a cautious easing of trade tensions, though analysts note that long-term stability will depend on the outcome of forthcoming negotiations.