US-China port fee suspension draws major backlash as well as huge relief
Democrats, labour unions and industry analysts condemn decision despite shippers saying the move will give global trade a vital boost
They are not alone in pushing back.
While shippers see the move easing costs and boosting trade, labour unions are warning that it could weaken American maritime leverage, send the wrong signal to Beijing, and contradict the administration’s own rhetoric on holding China accountable.
“Withdrawing US fees on over 10,000 Chinese ships to remove China’s retaliatory fees on 183 US ships is rightly understood as an American surrender cleverly cloaked in pretended symmetry,” he said.
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Why Hong Kong will remain a free port regardless of Donald Trump’s tariffs
His critique underscored a growing chorus of opposition from lawmakers and industry voices who warn that the suspension could undercut long-term US maritime interests.