The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is proposing an additional 100% tariff on ship-to-shore (STS) cranes and cargo handling equipment of Chinese origin.

The office of US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer states this follows a year-long investigation into “China’s targeting the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors for dominance”.

“The US Trade Representative has determined that appropriate action in this investigation includes: certain services fees on the maritime transport services of Chinese operators and shipowners; on maritime transport services of operators using Chinese-built vessels to be applicable on a non-discriminatory basis,” the Federal Register Notice reads.

“Representative is proposing additional tariffs on certain ship-to-shore cranes on a non-discriminatory basis, and proposing additional tariffs on certain other cargo handling equipment of China.”

USTR says it is now seeking public comments on the proposed additional tariffs and will convene a public hearing in relation to the proposed tariffs.

Trade Representative Greer continues: “Ships and shipping are vital to American economic security and the free flow of commerce”.

“The Trump administration’s actions will begin to reverse Chinese dominance, address threats to the US supply chain, and send a demand signal for US-built ships,” Greer continues.

Written comments must be lodged by May 19.