THE air freight industry may see increased demand following a proposed new port call fee targeting China-built vessels importing goods into the US, reports London's Air Cargo News.
The US Trade Representative (USTR) has suggested imposing a fee ranging from US$500,000 to $1.5 million per US port call on any Chinese carrier, Chinese vessel, or other carriers operating Chinese-built ships within their global fleets.
However, ocean freight data platform Xeneta has cautioned that the move could lead to unintended consequences, including port congestion, higher shipping rates and shifts in global trade patterns.
Xeneta's chief analyst Peter Sand noted that the policy could push some cargo volumes toward air freight as shippers seek alternative transport solutions.
'Ocean container carriers will take action to avoid the fees, such as calling at fewer ports, which could cause major congestion and delays in the US,' said Mr Sand.
'You have to wonder if they truly understand the consequences of this policy because there is a high risk it will cause major disruption and make container shipping more cumbersome and expensive for US importers.'
SeaNews Turkey
The US Trade Representative (USTR) has suggested imposing a fee ranging from US$500,000 to $1.5 million per US port call on any Chinese carrier, Chinese vessel, or other carriers operating Chinese-built ships within their global fleets.
However, ocean freight data platform Xeneta has cautioned that the move could lead to unintended consequences, including port congestion, higher shipping rates and shifts in global trade patterns.
Xeneta's chief analyst Peter Sand noted that the policy could push some cargo volumes toward air freight as shippers seek alternative transport solutions.
'Ocean container carriers will take action to avoid the fees, such as calling at fewer ports, which could cause major congestion and delays in the US,' said Mr Sand.
'You have to wonder if they truly understand the consequences of this policy because there is a high risk it will cause major disruption and make container shipping more cumbersome and expensive for US importers.'
SeaNews Turkey
