The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced on Friday modifications to certain aspects of the responsive action to restore American shipbuilding that it took on April 17, 2025 and solicited public comments on several proposed further modifications to that action.
The latest modifications and proposed modifications follow USTR requests for public comment made in Federal Register notices published on April 23, 2025 and June 12, 2025. They reflect USTR’s consideration of public comments received in response to these notices, as well as consultations with petitioners and advisory committees.
Significant aspects of the modifications announced by the USTR include changing the basis for calculating service fees on vessel operators of foreign-built vehicle carriers and setting the fee at $46 per net ton, as of October 14, 2025; eliminating, retroactive to April 17, 2025, a provision permitting the suspension of liquid natural gas (LNG) export licenses if certain restrictions on the use of foreign-built vessels are not met; and imposing tariffs of 100 percent on certain ship-to-shore cranes and cargo handling equipment.
The USTR is also proposing further modifications to the responsive action taken in April, including adding a carve-out from fees for certain ethane and liquid petroleum gas (LPG) carriers under long-term charter; and imposing additional tariffs of up to 150 percent on certain cargo handling equipment (e.g., rubber tire gantry cranes) and components of such equipment.
While USTR evaluates public comments on these proposed further modifications, the payment of certain service fees may be deferred through December 10, 2025.
As stated, the deadline to submit written comments on the proposed further modifications is November 12, 2025.
