News Release
FOR RELEASE - May 19, 2025
Contact: Shawn Balcomb, press@aapa-ports.org

American Association of Port Authorities
Phone: (202) 792-4033
www.aapa-ports.org

AAPA Urges USTR to Consider Alternatives to Tariffs on Cranes Taxing Port Development

Washington, D.C. — In response to a proposed additional 100% tariff on Chinese-manufactured ship-to-shore (STS) by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the Trump Administration, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) continues to fiercely advocate for the port and maritime industry.

Today, AAPA President and CEO Cary Davis again testified in a hearing before USTR on behalf of the port industry alongside several other U.S. port stakeholders. Recently, AAPA also submitted extensive comments to USTR outlining the industry's candid thoughts on the proposed policy changes, articulating strong opposition to additional tariffs on STS cranes.

"Applying a new 100% tariff to Chinese STS cranes will not create a domestic crane manufacturing industry out of thin air," stated AAPA President and CEO Cary Davis, in official comments submitted to the Federal Register. "It will only increase costs for public port authorities."

Generally, AAPA is supportive of policy efforts to reshore manufacturing of key industries and products and has led this conversation among key government and industry officials. However, there are still currently no domestic manufacturers of STS cranes. In the comments, Davis wrote that, "raising tariffs on Chinese cranes another 100% will not magically revitalize an American crane manufacturing industry that has been nonexistent for decades. It will, however, force public port authorities to pay more for the cranes already ordered or that they must order soon to replace aging equipment or outfit new terminals."

In AAPA's comments highlighting the potentially devastating impacts of exorbitantly high tariffs on Chinese-manufactured STS cranes, the industry also requested the USTR:

1. Rescind the forthcoming plan to apply fees that could reach $1 million to all foreign vehicle carriers;
2. Further scale back fees on Chinese-built, owned, and operated vessels that will hurt American businesses; and
3. Clarify several specific technical definitions and the role of ports in policy implementation.

AAPA remains committed to pushing back against additional tariffs on STS cranes and all goods that drive up the cost of shipping, increase expenses for ports, and ultimately raise prices for everyday American consumers.

Read AAPA's full comments to USTR here.

About AAPA:

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) is the unified voice of port leaders and maritime industry partners across the Western Hemisphere which serve a vital role in job-creation, international competitiveness, and economic prosperity. Connecting small business owners, retailers, and manufacturers to the global marketplace, AAPA member organizations advocate for national policies and infrastructure investments in support of a resilient global supply chain and a positive impact on the way people live, work, travel, and engage in commerce.