Archive · 18 Jul 2025
China's Shipbuilding Share Drops Amid USTR Fee Concerns
China used to build most of the world's new ships, but in the first half of 2025, their share fell to 52%.
This change might be because of new fees the US is charging on ships built in China.
These fees could make it more expensive to use Chinese-built ships, encouraging companies to build ships elsewhere, like India or the Philippines.
However, the global shipbuilding market slowed down overall.
Other countries like South Korea and Japan want to build more ships, but they are having trouble finding enough workers.
China's share of new shipbuilding dropped to 52% in the first half of 2025.
USTR port fees on Chinese ships are likely a factor in the decline.
India's shipbuilding capacity is under 1%, but efforts to increase are underway.
Global shipbuilding contracting decreased significantly, except for container and cruise ships.
South Korea and Japan face labor shortages, hindering shipbuilding expansion.
- Who
- China, India, the US, South Korea, Japan, and global shipbuilders
- What
- China's share of new shipbuilding decreased.
- When
- First half of 2025
- Where
- Global shipbuilding market
- Why
- Due to USTR port fees and global market fluctuations.
Chinese Shipbuilders
US and Other Countries
Impact of US Port Fees
Chinese Shipbuilders
May experience a decline in new orders and market share due to the US port fees.
US and Other Countries
Face challenges in maintaining dominance due to US fees, and rising labor costs
- China's H1 2025 Shipbuilding Share
- 52%
- Previous 6 Months Shipbuilding Share
- 72%
- USTR Port Fees Effective
- October 2025
- India's Shipbuilding Share
- Under 1%
- Ships contracted in H1 2025
- 647
- Ships contracted to Chinese yards
- 370