US comes after Chinese shipbuilding: The US Trade Representative (USTR) is looking into charging upwards of USD 1.5 mn for Chinese-built vessels entering US ports. The move is part of a US probe into China’s increasing dominance in the global shipbuilding, maritime, and logistics industry, Reuters reports. The USTR scheduled a public hearing to discuss the topic further on 24 March.

The US argument: The US indicated that China — whose share of global shipbuilding in tonnage terms surged from 5% in 1999 to over 50% in 2023 — is unfairly controlling certain sectors and fostering dependence, which further limits US commerce and limits competition, according to a statement published on Saturday.

How much are we talking about? The proposed funds include port entrance fees of USD 1 mn per vessel owned by Chinese maritime transport operators, such as state-owned China Ocean Shipping. The US would also charge USD 1k per ton of a vessel’s cargo capacity.

There is more: Non-Chinese operators with China-built ships would have to pay USD 1.5 mn per port entry, while those with more than 50% Chinese-built fleets would pay USD 1 mn per vessel entry regardless of its origin. For a Chinese fleet percentage of 25% to 50% it would amount to USD 750k and USD 500k if it’s under 25%. A second wave of fees in similar amounts could be applicable to maritime operators with vessels on order from Chinese shipyards, if they are to be delivered within the next two years.

Japan’s ANA taps major aircraft manufacturers for record-breaking order: Japan-based ANA Holdings is planning to place an order of up to 77 jets — its largest order yet — worth over USD 14 bn at catalog prices before any discounts, Reuters reports, citing a company briefing. The potential order is made up of 68 firm orders and nine options, with delivery of the planes to be scheduled between 2028 and 2033. The airline is expected to uptake 18 787 wide-body jets and eight 737 Max jets from Boeing, 27 A321-neo-family narrowbodies from Airbus, and 15 E190-E2s from Embraer.

About ANA Holdings: Japan’s ANA Holdings operates cargo and passenger carrier All Nippon Airlines as well as low-cost carriers Peach Aviation and AirJapan. The move looks to boost its fleet as part of plans to expand to around 320 aircraft by 2030, up from 277 aircraft in operation in 2024.

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