A proposed US plan to charge high port fees to Chinese-built vessels entering US ports is expected to have a significant impact on all container shipping firms, including French-based CMA CGM. The company’s Chief Financial Officer, Ramon Fernandez, stated that since China builds more than half of the world’s container ships, this move would affect “all shipping firms.”
CMA CGM, the third-largest container shipping line, has a large US presence and operates several port terminals. While the group expects some impact from new tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump, which could accelerate a shift in trade routes, they believe their vessel-sharing agreement with Asian partners will not be affected.
The company reported a 7.8% rise in shipped volumes last year, but market outlook appears less favorable this year due to geopolitical uncertainty and vessel overcapacity. A return to regular traffic through the Red Sea following a ceasefire in Gaza could lead firms to scrap older vessels.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/markets/us-port-fees-china-vessels-would-affect-all-shipping-firms-cma-cgm-says-2025-02-28