The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has expressed opposition to a proposed 100 per cent tariff on Chinese-manufactured ship-to-shore (STS) cranes under consideration by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).
At a recent USTR hearing, AAPA President and CEO Cary Davis testified on behalf of the port industry, emphasising the potential financial impact on US ports.
In written comments submitted to the Federal Register, Davis stated: “Applying a new 100 per cent tariff to Chinese STS cranes will not create a domestic crane manufacturing industry out of thin air. It will only increase costs for public port authorities.”
The AAPA noted that no domestic manufacturers currently produce STS cranes. Davis added: “Raising tariffs on Chinese cranes another 100 per cent will not magically revitalise an American crane manufacturing industry that has been nonexistent for decades.
“It will, however, force public port authorities to pay more for the cranes already ordered or that they must order soon to replace ageing equipment or outfit new terminals.”
READ: AAPA advises USTR to revoke tax on Chinese STS cranes
A joint survey by the AAPA and the Maritime Administration found that US ports have 55 STS cranes on order, 44 of which are sourced from China. Over the next decade, 151 cranes are planned, with approximately 80 per cent expected to come from Chinese manufacturers.
Before tariffs, a ZPMC crane cost about $15 million. The AAPA estimates that if the proposed tariff is applied on top of existing duties, US ports could face an additional $6.7 billion in costs over 10 years.
For example, the Port of Houston has eight ZPMC cranes contracted for delivery in 2026. If subjected to the full tariff, the port would owe $302.4 million in additional fees.
READ: US companies face pressure to raise prices due to tariffs
The AAPA has requested that the USTR exempt cranes ordered prior to 17 April 2025 from the tariff, delay implementation by one or two years, and clarify that Section 301 tariffs are not cumulative with other duties.
Additionally, the association opposes a proposed $150 per car equivalent unit fee on all foreign vehicle carriers, citing concerns about its impact on trade.
In other developments, a last-minute agreement between the US and China to suspend certain tariffs for 90 days has surprised shipping lines, prompting a swift reassessment of Transpacific capacity in anticipation of peak season demand.
