Reaction to Changes in USTR Port Service Fee Plan
Hear/Download the Audio Report HERE.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) published revisions to proposed port service fees designed to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industry. The changes came in response to industry feedback, including comments from the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
The changes to the proposed fees are outlined in this USTR press release and fact sheet.
From the perspective of U.S. red meat exporters, the most significant changes made from the original proposal include:
Fees will not be charged on every port call – only per voyage. This reduces the likelihood that carriers will eliminate port calls, which had been a major concern for U.S. exporters.
The revised service fee structure is based much more on vessel capacity rather than flat fees, making it less burdensome for smaller ships used on shorter routes such as to Central America and Colombia.
In the attached audio report, USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom offers his reaction to these proposed changes.