US port fees to deal unexpected blow to car shippers

US port fees to deal unexpected blow to car shippers US port fees to deal unexpected blow to car shippers

TOKYO/WASHINGTON — A new fee schedule planned for foreign-made carriers docking at U.S. ports is poised to create a new trade barrier that dents auto imports.

The port fees are based on Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which authorizes measures against unreasonable trade practices. The April 17 notice from the Office of the United States Trade Representative expands on an original proposal targeting Chinese-built ships.