A new directive from the U.S. Government targeting Chinese ships using American ports is likely to add further costs for importers. This may lead to higher prices for goods sold in the USA. The shipment of toys and prehistoric animal models will be affected. Companies are already looking to re-route global supply chains.
The plan unveiled yesterday (April 17th, 2025) entails fees coming into force in 180 days. These fees are due to increase in future. A press release from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) confirms these new charges.
The fees for Chinese vessel owners and operators of ships built in China will be based on the weight of their cargo for bulk carriers. Container ships will be charged depending how many containers they carry. Furthermore, there are plans to levy fees on vessels carrying vehicles. Empty vessels arriving at U.S. ports to collect goods for export from the USA are exempt.
Changes to global distribution patterns will likely affect UK ports. For example, Felixstowe is likely to become increasingly congested as logistics are re-routed. This will lead to inevitable delays in the receipt of goods in UK warehouses. For Everything Dinosaur, this could lead to delays in the movement of prehistoric animal models from the port to the company’s warehouse.
The Port of Felixstowe handles more than 4 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) per year, including prehistoric animal models and figures destined for Everything Dinosaur’s UK warehouse. New charges on Chinese ships docking in the USA may affect this UK port. Picture credit: Port of Felixstowe.
Picture credit: Port of Felixstowe
Implications for the Supply of Prehistoric Animal Models
Concerns have been raised about these measures. It is likely that they will further disrupt global trade amid the U.S. Government tariff policies. These fees had been highlighted back in February. However, for the moment, they are not as draconian as previously proposed. The February statements outlined fees of $1.5 million (£1.1 million) for each American port visit for Chinese vessels.
In the media release, Ambassador Greer explained the reasoning behind these new fees stating:
“Ships and shipping are vital to American economic security and the free flow of commerce. The Trump administration’s actions will begin to reverse Chinese dominance, address threats to the U.S. supply chain, and send a demand signal for U.S.-built ships.”
Initially, the fees for Chinese ship owners and operators will start at $50 USD per ton of cargo. Moreover, this will increase by $30 USD per ton each year for the next three years. Fees for Chinese-built ships will begin at $18 USD per ton or $120 USD per container. These charges are also set to rise over the next three years. In addition, non-American built ships carrying cars will face a charge of $150 USD per vehicle.
As most prehistoric animal models are made in China, these new costs in addition to the already imposed tariffs will likely lead to a rise in prehistoric animal model prices for American customers.
Unloading the latest shipment of PNSO prehistoric animal figures at Everything Dinosaur’s warehouse. These figures arrived from the port of Felixstowe. The recent USTR announcement could lead to further congestion at Felixstowe. Tsintaosaurus model and the Torosaurus pair (Aubrey and Dabei) with the Fergus the Acrocanthosaurus model and Xinchuan the Sinraptor (right). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Global Trade Disrupted
The director general of the UK-based Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade (Marco Forgione) has commented that the tariffs have caused a substantial build-up of ships, particularly in the EU. As many ships that were destined for the USA have now diverted to the European Union and the UK, there could be significant congestion at UK ports. Port operations could become clogged, and this could lead to delays in the unloading of ships.
It has been widely reported that the uncertainty and disruption may push up prices for American consumers. Everything Dinosaur has been monitoring the situation in UK ports. It is being reported that congestion is being experienced in UK ports, especially in Felixstowe. Rotterdam and Barcelona ports are facing similar problems with congestion.
Cargo routes may shift towards Europe. Fortunately, cargo terminals would be able to extend operating hours in the summer due to expected better weather.
Industry experts have asserted that U.S. consumers may bear the brunt of these charges. UK and European consumers may not be affected. It is likely that companies, including toy manufacturers would probably be redesigning their supply chains.
Everything Dinosaur team members continue to monitor and are doing all they can to protect their customers.
The Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models and Toys.
