On April 17, USTS published a survey on China’s activities and policies in the field of maritime, logistics and shipbuilding. Accordingly, the agency said that China’s aiming to dominate these segments is “unreasonable” and is putting pressure on US trade activities.

USTR said that Beijing is overwhelming in global production of all kinds of cranes (STS cranes), container trailer frame, and many other products. Therefore, excessive dependence will cause many risks. For example, China can manipulate the supply of essential components or materials with the US maritime infrastructure.

Therefore, USTRS proposes to apply additional import tax of up to 100% with STS cranes manufactured, assembled or manufactured by components originating from China, or produced in other countries but owned by Chinese enterprises. The maximum tax rate also applies to containers and some loading and unloading devices originating from the world’s second economy.

From April 17, this agency will collect public opinion on these proposals. They will organize a hearing of proposed tax measures.

In the report, USTR also proposed a new fee applied to ships owned by Chinese enterprises and individuals, or produced when entering and leaving US ports. In the first 180 days since April 17, the fee is 0 USD. After that, according to the roadmap, this fee will increase by $ 50-140 per ton for Chinese-owned ships, and 18-33 USD per ton with Chinese-made ships.

Currently, the total tax rate published with China in the second term Trump is 145% for all Chinese goods. With some products, the tax rate is up to 245%, as announced by the White House on April 15. China has repeatedly responded, by raising additional taxes with US goods to 125%, bringing many American companies on the list of export restrictions and squeezing foreign minerals.

Responding to the media at the White House on April 17, Mr. Trump said “talking to China” on import tax. He also revealed that Beijing “contacted many times” and the exchanges took place since he raised taxes with all the goods of the country to 145%. President Trump believes that the US “will reach a very good agreement with China”.