# US extends suspension of China maritime measures under Section 301

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/us-extends-suspension-of-china-maritime-measures-under-section-301/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** Jason Nicholson
- **Published:** 2026-11-13T16:00:00+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-11-13T16:00:00+00:00
- **Section:** Markets
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** maritime policy, Port Fees, Section 301, Shipbuilding, US-China Trade, USTR

The United States has extended the suspension of trade measures targeting China’s maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors for another two months, allowing additional time for bilateral discussions over the policies examined under its Section 301 investigation.

In a notice published in the Federal Register on November 10, 2026, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) confirmed that the measures will remain suspended through 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on January 9, 2027, with the extension running until January 10.

The decision covers actions introduced following the US investigation into China’s practices in maritime transport, logistics and shipbuilding. These included fees on certain maritime transport services and duties on Chinese ship-to-shore cranes and other cargo-handling equipment.

The USTR said the circumstances supporting the original suspension remain in place and that discussions with China are continuing. The extension was adopted under Section 307 of the Trade Act of 1974, at the direction of the US President.

## Maritime measures remain on hold

The United States initially suspended the measures for one year beginning November 10, 2025, following a bilateral trade agreement announced earlier that month. The suspension was intended to provide time for negotiations while Washington continued its efforts to strengthen domestic shipbuilding capabilities.

The latest decision follows a proposal issued in October 2026 to extend the arrangement for an additional two months. Rather than allowing the measures to resume after the initial suspension expired, the USTR has now formally continued the pause.

The US decision follows a corresponding announcement by China’s Ministry of Transport on November 9, extending the suspension of special port fees on US-linked vessels calling at Chinese ports until January 2027.

The two decisions concern separate national measures, but together maintain the temporary suspension of maritime-related charges introduced during the trade dispute.

For shipping companies, the extension provides additional short-term regulatory certainty for vessel deployment and port-call planning. However, it does not permanently withdraw the measures or resolve the underlying disagreements over maritime industrial policy.

Unless further action is taken, the current US suspension is scheduled to expire in January 2027, leaving the longer-term regulatory framework dependent on the outcome of continued negotiations.

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Cite as: "US extends suspension of China maritime measures under Section 301", pelavox., 13 November 2026, https://pelavox.com/us-extends-suspension-of-china-maritime-measures-under-section-301/