The Chamber of Marine Commerce (CMC) is calling for changes to a proposed U.S. port fee plan, warning it could harm Canadian trade and supply chains.
The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is proposing fees on Chinese-made ships arriving at American ports. However, these fees would also apply to ships built elsewhere if they are operated by carriers with even one Chinese-built vessel in their fleet.
Bruce Burrows, President and CEO of the CMC, says the Chamber supports stronger U.S. shipbuilding efforts but warns the current plan may have unintended consequences.
“The best way to achieve the USTR’s goals while avoiding negative outcomes is to add language that protects inland and coastal shipping,” Burrows said. He noted that these specialized “laker” vessels, which operate in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway, are vital for transporting bulk cargoes such as grain, iron ore, and road salt.
Without changes, the CMC warns the fees could put at risk $4 billion in economic activity, 26,000 jobs, and 30 million tonnes of cross-border trade.
The Chamber believes failure to exempt laker vessels could push importers to avoid U.S. Great Lakes ports, shifting trade to Mexico and Canada.
Burrows says the CMC is committed to working with the U.S. government to refine the plan and protect vital shipping networks while supporting domestic shipbuilding growth.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
