In this exclusive Freight Buyers’ Club interview, World Shipping Council CEO & President Joe Kramek unpacks the impact of the U.S. port fees on China-built vessels, why the policy may backfire on U.S. exporters and manufacturers, and how it blindsided vehicle carriers.

We also explore the bigger picture: the ongoing trade disruptions, their impact on container shipping, and what a comprehensive, long-term U.S. shipbuilding strategy might look like. Plus, what the historic IMO emissions deal really means for freight buyers — and why global rules beat a patchwork of regional ones.

This episode was produced with the support of Ontegos Cloud [https://www.ontegos.cloud/]

Topics covered:

• U.S. policy on shipbuilding and China
  • Why new port fees may harm U.S. interests
  • The surprise hit to vehicle carriers
  • Supply chain impacts of geopolitical instability
  • Green fuel rules from 2028 & the cost for shippers
  • What a real U.S. maritime industrial strategy could look like
  • What’s next from the WSC in Washington and at the IMO

As referenced in the discussion. This is Mike’s Explainer on the new IMO rules:

New IMO GHG Emissions Deal = Higher Shipping Costs? | Freight Buyers’ Club Explainer

https://youtu.be/yT3wHc1H9FQ

In this deep-dive in US shipping policy, maritime analyst Sal Mercogliano and industry expert John McCown join us to break down one of the biggest stories in global shipping: America’s push to reclaim maritime power.

We unpack the political, economic, and strategic moves shaping the future of US shipping — and what they mean for freight buyers, port operators, and the global supply chain. From proposed port fees on Chinese-built vessels to international shipyard collaboration, this conversation cuts through the noise with straight talk from two of the smartest minds in maritime.

What’s driving the US pivot back to shipbuilding?
Could new tariffs and policies hit freight buyers hardest?
How are foreign carriers responding behind the scenes?

Featuring:

John McCown, Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Center for Maritime Security

Sal Mercogliano, Maritime Professor and Host, ‘What’s Going On With Shipping’

This is an extended clip from EP4o of The Freight Buyers’ Club, produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group. [https://dimerco.com/]

If you're in logistics, shipping, supply chain strategy, or C-suite decision-making, this is essential listening.

KEY TOPICS:

• US maritime policy changes under Biden and Trump
• Freight buyer impact of new China port tariffs
• The CMA CGM–White House deal and its fallout
• How alliances are shifting in response
• Strategic implications for transshipment and port calls

Major new U.S. shipping policies are here — and they’re shaking global trade.
In this special two-part episode of the Freight Buyers’ Club, produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group, we break down the latest U.S. tariffs, port fee changes, and policy strategy shifts that are reshaping global trade, logistics and freight.

In Part One: Tactical Insights for Shippers & Importers
We’re joined by:
➡️ Cindy Allen, CEO of Trade Force Multiplier & former CBP/FedEx exec
➡️ Peter Sand, Chief Analyst at Xeneta

Topics covered:
✔️ New U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports
✔️ De minimis changes (under $800 rules)
✔️ SME survival strategies amid tariff chaos
✔️ How shipping companies are adapting
✔️ What this means for the Transpac contract season

⚓ In Part Two: The Strategy Behind the Chaos (from 35.00)
We talk to:
➡️ John McCown, maritime veteran, author & former liner exec
➡️ Sal Mercogliano, maritime historian & creator of What’s Going on With Shipping

We dig into:
✔️ The White House plan to rebuild U.S. maritime dominance
✔️ Controversial port fees on Chinese-built vessels
✔️ Shipbuilding policy & Jones Act barriers
✔️ America’s maritime labour crisis
✔️ U.S. rejection of IMO emissions rules
✔️ Section 301 investigations & chokepoint strategy

LINKS & RESOURCES:

Ep. 39 with NRF’s Jon Gold: #39 The White House Kid: Tariff On, Tariff Off https://youtu.be/aIOrTc_v3oY

: Tariffs On, Tariffs Off? Jon Gold (NRF) Explains Retail Supply Chain Chaos https://youtu.be/mHLNTSxmPDA

Executive Order: Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/restoring-americas-maritime-dominance/

What do YOU think?
Will these new policies protect American shipping — or choke it? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

️ Listen to Freight Buyers’ Club wherever you get your podcasts.
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Episode in more detail:

00:00 Introduction to the Freight Buyers Club

01:37 Introduction to Today's Two-Part Episode

02:11 Cindy Allen's Background and Expertise

02:35 Discussion on US Tariffs and Trade Policies

03:58 Peter Sand's Analysis on Container Markets

11:04 Impact of Tariffs on US Businesses

19:48 Challenges Faced by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

23:31 Changes in De Minimis Exemptions

28:23 Global Container Shipping Market Trends and US Port Fees

Part 2 (35.00)

36.05 Trump’s Maritime Policies – Pros & Cons

41:53 Executive Order and Maritime Prosperity Zones

42:16 Political Dynamics in US Shipping Policy

43:00 International Collaboration in Shipbuilding

45:09 Chinese Built Ships and US Ports Fees

45:58 US Trade Representative's Revised Plan

47:10 Industry Reactions to New Shipping Fees

55:31 Challenges in US Shipbuilding and Seafarer Pool

01:04:25 US Rejection of IMO Emissions Rules

01:06:12 Federal Maritime Commission's Role and Future