Industry News
China imposes retaliatory tonnage tax on US-owned and operated ships
China has imposed additional charges on US ships berthing at Chinese ports, from 14 October 2025, as a counter- measure to the USTR tonnage tax, prior to trade talks commencing between the US and Chinese governments. The Chinese Ministry of Transport has stated that these additional charges will individuals – or those built in the US or that fly the US flag. Such vessels are now subject to a ¥400 (US$56) per net ton fee per voyage if they dock in China. be imposed on vessels owned or operated by US companies and The fees are to be applied on the same ship for a maximum of five voyages each
year, and will rise every year until 2028, when the rate will be ¥1,120 (US$157) per net ton, the ministry said. The fees began on 14 October, the same day that the US imposed port fees on Chinese vessels. China’s Ministry of Transport said in a statement that its special fees on US vessels are “countermeasures” in response to “wrongful” US practices, referring to the US port fees on Chinese vessels. The ministry also slammed the US port fees as “discriminatory” saying that they would “severely damage the legitimate interests of China’s shipping industry” and
“seriously undermine” international economic and trade order. These charges look similar to those imposed on Chinese vessels berthing in the US, and the fear is that they could promote further instability on the transpacific route. However, dependent on the outcome of trade negotiations, these higher tonnage taxes could be reduced or removed by both governments. CN¥ = Chinese Renminbi The reader should bear in mind that the information contained in this article was correct at time of publication (24 Oct) but, given a volatile situation, could change.
Avocet inspires students with insight into customs careers
FIATA World Congress, Vietnam There was strong BIFA representation at the FIATA World Congress in Vietnam during October. The event was supported by the Vietnamese government, with the prime minister visiting on day one. His commitment to the country’s development was a great indicator for the sector’s future here. Vietnam itself is rapidly developing and its sustained GDP growth creates a lot of opportunities for freight forwarders and logistics operators. There was considerable emphasis on sustainable logistics and efficient use of modern technologies. Informative panellists represented freight forwarders, software suppliers, government officials, UN officials and advisors. The event also saw the promotion of young talent in line with BIFA’s YFN framework.
In conjunction with Seetec, Avocet recently welcomed 11 pupils aged 15 to its of fi ces for an interactive introduction to customs brokerage and international trade. Kat Sadecka, compliance manager, opened the session with an overview of how Avocet was founded in response to Brexit, helping traders navigate new systems and regulations. When pupils asked what Brexit was, she described it as “a club you have to pay to be part of, but in return, you get a say in decision making and benefit from free trade”. She also explained what the industry does behind the scenes of transport and how important its role is in keeping international trade fair, using simple examples and a short quiz to keep pupils engaged. Avocet’s young and diverse team shared their own routes into the industry. Jacob, a BIFA Apprentice of the Year finalist and now a team leader, demonstrated how products are classified by commodity codes and how the world of imports connects global trade. Veronika, who graduated in politics and now manages
Avocet’s export and transit department, spoke about the value of language skills and problem solving. Matt, the youngest apprentice and a current nominee for Apprentice of the Year 2025, guided pupils through mock customs declarations, giving them the chance to act as junior brokers. Clare from Seetec highlighted how apprenticeships support career development in logistics.
The day showed that industry membership can be more than networking – it can open doors for the next generation. Avocet has confirmed it will continue this initiative annually. BIFA encourages Members to reach out to their local schools and offer similar support – getting involved is easier than you think. For more information, visit https://bifa.org/industry- promotion/
10 | November 2025
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