Washington, D.C., March 24, 2025—Statement of NCFC President and CEO Chuck Conner:
“The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) appreciates the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) efforts to bolster domestic shipbuilding and reduce reliance on foreign-built vessels. However, we harbor significant reservations regarding the proposal to impose substantial fees—up to $1.5 million per port call—on Chinese-built ships entering U.S. ports.
“While the intent to rejuvenate the U.S. shipbuilding industry is commendable, the immediate ramifications of such fees could harm American agriculture. A substantial portion of our agricultural exports relies on international maritime transport, with many products shipped aboard Chinese-built vessels due to their prevalence in the global fleet. Imposing hefty fees on these ships will lead to increased transportation costs passed down to U.S. exporters, thereby diminishing the competitiveness of American agricultural products in global markets.
“We urge the USTR and policymakers to carefully consider the potential unintended consequences of this proposal on the agricultural sector. It is crucial to ensure that measures aimed at strengthening one industry do not inadvertently harm farmers and our food security.
“The NCFC remains committed to working collaboratively with the administration to find balanced solutions that support domestic industries without compromising the competitiveness and viability of American agriculture.”
