The proposed tariffs from US President Donald Trump could have a huge effect on Greece’s shipping industry with three out of ten Greek-owned commercial vessels expected to be charged at least $1 million for each call at a US port from mid-year onward.
The vessels in question fall under the category of Chinese-built ships and companies that manage Chinese ships, meaning they will be at the mercy of the tariffs if, as is widely expected, Washington decides to impose the high fees, according to AMNA.
Roughly 30 per cent of the Greek-owned fleet is Chinese-built, regardless of type, however, numerous Greek shipowners without any Chinese-built ships, as well as a number of owners and managers, operate many Chinese ships.
The decisions are expected on 17 April, with the details on how these new fees will be implemented to be discussed in mid-May.
There is still uncertainty as to who will pay these fees, but they will very likely concern charterers and exporters and will certainly increase transport costs.
Numerous shipping related groups have spoken out against such a decision, including the World Shipping Council, the International Chamber of Shipping, all major international shipowner associations, Bimco and Intertanko, the European Community Shipowners’ Association, as well as a number of US entities like the American Association of Port Authorities.
The common belief, however, is that it will prove difficult to stop such a measure.
