COSCO Shipping Lines issued a customer notice on September 16 regarding the U.S. Trade Representative's (USTR) Section 301 investigation. According to the USTR's announcement on April 17, 2025, effective October 14, 2025, the United States will impose a port service fee on maritime services provided by Chinese shipowners and operators, as well as operators utilizing vessels constructed in China. While this fee may present operational challenges, COSCO Shipping Lines expressed full confidence in its U.S. route network services. The company pledged to maintain stable capacity and service quality, continuing to deliver reliable, secure, and high-quality logistics solutions. It will also actively adjust its product portfolio to align with U.S. market demands while preserving the competitiveness of its freight rates and surcharge policies. COSCO Shipping emphasizes its longstanding compliance with U.S. laws and regulations, positioning itself as a trusted partner in facilitating U.S. import-export trade. It will steadfastly operate its U.S. business with resilience and determination.

 According to a separate report by Cailian Press, China Ship Leasing (03877.HK) saw revenue growth but no profit increase in the first half of the year due to tax policy impacts. At the earnings briefing, company management stated that the U.S. Section 301 investigation had limited effects on them, as only one vessel was permanently deployed on U.S. routes last year—a route that has since been re-routed to mitigate risks. Chief Accountant Wang Shanjun noted that upstream and downstream players in the industry chain are negotiating to share the costs incurred by Section 301 measures. He projected that global shipbuilding orders would increase quarter-on-quarter in the second half of the year. China Ship Leasing currently has 22 new vessels under construction, with plans to take delivery of 2 vessels in the second half of the year and 8 vessels by 2027. Against the backdrop of the Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts, the company intends to increase its debt ratio to reduce financing costs and expects to improve performance in the second half through asset disposals and cost control. Wang Shanjun also mentioned that the recovery in freight rates for product tankers and feeder container ships will drive the company's performance in the second half.

  Financial reports indicate that China Ship Leasing recorded revenue of HK$2.018 billion in the first half of the year, representing a 2.7% year-on-year increase, while net profit reached HK$1.151 billion, a 16.7% year-on-year decrease. Income tax expense rose from HK$20.2 million in the first half of last year to HK$138 million in the same period this year, primarily due to the retrospective application of the OECD Pillar Two Model Rules. Clarksons Research data indicates that one-year charter rates for 2,750 TEU vessels reached US$39,000 per day, hitting a historical high (excluding the exceptional peak during the pandemic period).