In a press release published on October 10, 2025, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced modifications to upcoming Section 301 vessel fees.

The modifications include the following changes:

• “Changing the basis for calculating service fees on vessel operators of foreign-built vehicle carriers and setting the fee at $46 per net ton.”
• Retroactively eliminating a provision “permitting the suspension of liquid natural gas (LNG) export licenses” if certain restrictions are not met.
• Imposing a 100% tariff on certain ship-to-shore cranes and cargo handling equipment.

The USTR is also proposing further changes, including fee exemptions for certain ethane and liquid petroleum gas (LPG) carriers, as well as new tariffs on specific cargo handling equipment.

The USTR is accepting comments on the proposed modifications until November 12, 2025. While comments are being evaluated, certain services fees may be deferred through December 10, 2025.

USTR’s press release can be found here:
https://ustr.gov/about/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2025/october/ustr-modifies-certain-aspects-section-301-ships-action-and-proposes-further-modifications-action

Comments on the proposed modification can be submitted here:
https://comments.ustr.gov/s/

The Expeditor’s Newsflash “CBP Provides Guidance on Upcoming Section 301 Vessel Fees” can be found here:
https://info.expeditors.com/newsflash/cbp-provides-guidance-on-upcoming-section-301-vessel-fees