US-China Tensions Escalate: Wait Times at Chinese Ports Hit Highest Level Since 2022

Bulkers at Shanghai port, China (Photo: Xinhua/Alamy/Phaata)

The meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump in South Korea this weekend is being highly anticipated by global commodity markets, as supply chains struggle with vessel congestion off China at levels not seen in years.

Data from maritime analytics firm Sea shows that waiting times for commodity vessels at Chinese ports have reached their highest level since the second quarter of 2022.

Analysts at MB Shipbrokers attribute the congestion to new Chinese fees on U.S.-linked vessels and broader trade tensions. Over the past two weeks, Beijing and Washington have issued higher port fees on each other's vessels, a move that comes as President Trump seeks to curb China's maritime dominance.

According to the analysis from Sea, the congestion at Chinese ports is most pronounced for tankers and bulkers, while container ships have been unaffected. This sharp spike in waiting times coincides perfectly with the October 14 implementation of the new port fees.

"There is no material change in container vessels waiting at Chinese anchorages," Hua Joo Tan, co-founder of container consultancy Linerlytica, told Splash.

Optimistic Signals Ahead of Summit

According to the U.S. Treasury Secretary, the U.S. and China have reached an agreement on the framework of a potential trade deal, which will be finalized when the leaders meet this weekend.

Scott Bessent said the framework includes a "final deal" on TikTok's U.S. operations and China's suspension of planned restrictions on the export of rare earth minerals.

Bessent added that he does not expect the 100% tariffs proposed by Trump on Chinese goods to take effect. Furthermore, in a major boost for the Panamax bulker segment, Beijing is expected to resume large-scale purchases of U.S. soybeans.

Mr. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to meet on Thursday (October 30), and the port fees are also likely to be on the table for discussion.

See more:

• International Transport and Logistics Market Update Week 43/2025 | Phaata
• USTR Port Fees: A Temporary Cost Problem or a New Structural Risk for the Maritime Industry?
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Source: Phaata.com (According to Splash247)

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