USTR proposes two-month extension of suspended China ship fees
USTR is seeking comments on a proposal to keep suspended for two more months the Section 301 responsive actions tied to China's maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding practices. If adopted, the suspension would run through January 9, 2027.
What this affects
ChinaThe update
This notice asks for public comments on a proposed modification to further suspend the Section 301 action in the investigation titled "China's Targeting of the Maritime, Logistics, and Shipbuilding Sectors for Dominance." USTR proposes to extend the suspension for two months, through January 9, 2027, to allow further negotiation with China.
The proposed suspension would cover the responsive actions taken in the investigation from 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time on November 10, 2026, through 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on January 9, 2027. During that period, no party would accrue liability for or be required to pay the fees on maritime transport services under Annexes I, II, or III of the April 23, 2025 notice, as modified by the October 16, 2025 notice. No party would also accrue liability for or be required to pay the duties provided in Annex V.A of the October 16, 2025 notice.
Comments opened on October 23, 2026, and to be assured of consideration must be submitted by October 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The current suspension cited in the notice runs from November 10, 2025, through November 9, 2026.
Impact
For importers and shippers, this notice matters because it would keep certain Section 301 fees on maritime transport services and certain duties from taking effect for an additional two months. That can affect near-term landed cost planning, contract pricing, and cash flow assumptions for shipments tied to these measures.
What to watch
This is only a proposal and request for comments, not a final extension. The notice refers to fees and duties in earlier annexes, so the exact scope requires checking those prior notices rather than assuming all China-related shipping costs remain suspended.
How to prepare
- 1Review impacted entries and routes
Identify shipments and transport arrangements that could fall under the suspended measures.
- 2Check prior annexes for scope
Confirm whether goods or services connect to Annexes I, II, III, or V.A cited in the notice.
- 3Model costs with and without suspension
Build short-term landed cost scenarios in case the proposal is finalized or not.
- 4Coordinate with customs and logistics providers
Confirm how brokers and carriers are tracking any liability during the current suspension period.
Sources
- Request for Comments on Further Suspension of Section 301 Action: China's Targeting of the Maritime, Logistics, and Shipbuilding Sectors for Dominance · Federal Register · October 26, 2026
- Section 301 exclusions expire November 2026 · Thomson Reuters tax · October 12, 2026
- Applying Semiconductor and Server Tariffs to Data Centers, Under Section 232 or Section 301, Would Now Cost the U.S. About $180 Billion a Year · CCIA · October 23, 2026
- Applying Semiconductor and Server Tariffs to Data Centers, Under Section 232 or Section 301, Would Now Cost the U.S. About $180 Billion a Year · CCIA · October 23, 2026
We summarize published reporting and official notices. Always confirm rates and dates against the Federal Register or your customs broker before acting on them.