US Port Fees on China Vessels Would Affect All Shipping Firms, CMA CGM Says

PARIS, Feb 28 (Reuters) – U.S. proposals to hit Chinese vessels with high port fees would have a major impact on all firms in a container shipping industry in which most vessels are built in China, French-based shipping firm CMA CGM said on Friday.

The U.S. Trade Representative’s office has proposed charging up to $1.5 million for Chinese-built vessels entering U.S. ports as part of its investigation into China’s expansion in the shipbuilding, maritime and logistics sectors.

“China builds more than half of all container ships in the world, so this would have a significant effect on all shipping firms,” Chief Financial Officer Ramon Fernandez told reporters.

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