US Congress explores new tariffs, sanctions to counter China’s shipbuilding dominance
US lawmakers search for ways to tackle Beijing’s rapid rise in commercial shipbuilding and restore America’s diminished commercial fleet
“Should Congress implement targeted tariffs or port entry fees on Chinese-built commercial vessels to level the global playing field?” Representative Young Kim, a California Republican, asked during a congressional hearing on Wednesday. “What about sanctions on Chinese state-owned shipbuilders?”
“We’re falling further and further behind China,” Representative Ami Bera, a California Democrat, said during the hearing. “By ourselves, we won’t catch up to the Chinese.”
Lawmakers and experts argued that shipbuilding is not only an economic issue but also a national security concern because of its close ties to naval power. Washington has accused Beijing of using state support to expand its shipbuilding industry, allegations China denies.
