The USTR is investigating China’s dominance in the global maritime and shipbuilding sectors

The U.S. Trade Rep’s office is looking at making trade more fair. It comes after an investigation into China, and it directly targets their maritime industry.

The Office says China is dominating in areas like maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding, warning it places unreasonable burdens on U.S. commerce. They are hoping to use fees on Chinese ship operators and owners.

Not everyone is on board, though, with one U.S. shipping industry official calling the proposal “catastrophic.” Consultants with O’Neil Commodity Consulting say that in 2022, more than a third of all commercial ships were built in China, and that number is now closer to 22 percent.

Related Stories
Richard Gupton says reliable roads, bridges and rail systems remain essential for ag retailers and the broader farm supply chain.
The proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern would create the nation’s first transcontinental railroad connecting the East and West coasts under a single carrier.
North Dakota State University’s Dr. Shawn Arita joins us to break down new research on U.S. ag export losses tied to retaliatory tariffs and what they signal for trade moving forward.
NPPC President Rob Brenneman says rising fuel and input costs are creating pressure across pork production despite steady trade.
ISA says Southeast Asia continues driving demand for soy-based feed products through expanding livestock and seafood industries.
Several counties are reviewing disaster declarations. Crop insurance may help growers cover some costs.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

For decades, U.S. agriculture has planned around feeding a growing world. Experts say that trend could reverse course in the next 30 years.
Farm Bureau economist Dr. Faith Parum says agriculture still needs to see U.S. products actively moving into China.
USDA Elevates “Plant Not Plastic” Initiative and Supports Buying American Cotton Act
Soybean oil is already feeling the pressure.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins visits Arizona cotton producers as rising fuel, fertilizer, and fuel and fertilizer costs continue to pressure farm margins.