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Cosco Shipping, Orient Overseas could be staring at over US$2.1 billion in US port fees: HSBC

This could erode 74% and 65% of consensus Ebit margin forecast for FY2026 for Cosco Shipping Holdings and Orient Overseas (International), respectively

 Tay Peck Gek
Published Mon, Sep 8, 2025 · 04:40 PM
    • The US Trade Representative's upcoming port fees are expected to have a "negligible" impact on non-Chinese ocean carriers, says HSBC.
    • The US Trade Representative's upcoming port fees are expected to have a "negligible" impact on non-Chinese ocean carriers, says HSBC. PHOTO: REUTERS

    [SINGAPORE] China lines Cosco Shipping Holdings and Orient Overseas (International) could be hit by US port fees amounting to more than US$2.1 billion in 2026, a report by HSBC indicated.

    The US Trade Representative’s new fees on Chinese vessels entering ports in the nation are scheduled to take effect from Oct 14, 2025. The fees will impact Chinese owners and operators, as well as ships built in China. Only smaller Chinese-built ships and those that make short-haul voyages will be exempted from fees.

    In a research report on global container shipping released on Monday (Sep 8), HSBC forecast that Chinese sea carriers will be the worst hit by the fees. In contrast, the impact would be “negligible” for non-Chinese lines.

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