US Ports Push Back on Cargo Equipment Tariffs: Supply Lines

As Donald Trump and Xi Jinping expand their trade war to the high seas, port operators are pushing back on Washington’s measures, saying that China-focused penalties could ultimately hurt America more than it should.

The American Association of Port Authorities is criticizing certain aspects of the Trump administration’s plans to curb China’s maritime dominance. In particular, the AAPA took aim at the US Trade Representative’s proposal to slap a 100% tariff on Chinese ship-to-shore cranes, and a new 150% tax on Chinese cargo-handling equipment. The cranes levies will come into effect on Nov. 9 and could be followed by the cargo-handling ...