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International Chamber of Shipping’s comment post USTR

Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Guy Platten, testified before the U.S. Trade Representative Section 301 Committee in Washington, D.C., USA, regarding concerns around potential unintended consequences that could result from the proposed remedies following the Committee’s investigation into China’s maritime logistics and shipbuilding. The public hearing took place over two days, Monday 24 March and Wednesday 26 March 2025, with over 60 witnesses delivering testimonies in person.

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) supports the goal of strengthening U.S. shipbuilding. A robust, competitive shipbuilding sector benefits global trade, and the international shipping industry wants more choice, not less.

As raised during the hearing by multiple representatives, the proposed fees on Chinese-operated and Chinese-built vessels risk significant unintended consequences. These measures could disrupt supply chains, raise costs for U.S. consumers and exporters, and reduce the global competitiveness of vital U.S. sectors—particularly agriculture, energy, and manufacturing.

Guy Platten stated at the hearing:

“When looking at our sector, the shipping industry is one of the most cost-optimized in the world. The business model is designed to drive down costs, while not compromising on safety standards, so that goods can efficiently flow from and to countries, for the benefit of those countries’ economies and populations...the shipping industry is not like a traditional business, it is unique.”

ICS commented that these proposed measures, as currently constituted, won’t deter Chinese shipbuilding, however they could severely disrupt U.S. maritime supply chains, and threaten the US’ energy, food and economic security, and ultimately cut U.S. businesses off from the very ships they rely on.

During Guy Platten’s testimony he stated:

“These proposed measures could hurt our customers – the American people. They will make vital U.S. exports less competitive globally. This hurts jobs, be that at ports or at farms, and the American shipping industry, the very thing you are trying to encourage.”

At the hearing ICS urged the USTR to explore alternative policies that strengthen American shipbuilding without disrupting trade or harming the very industries these actions aim to support.

ICS offered to work alongside the USTR and the White House to develop practical, future-focused solutions that deliver lasting value for U.S. industry, consumers, and maritime resilience.