Expert slams U.S. plan to fine China-made ships, warns of global impact

An expert has warned that the U.S. government’s proposal to impose fines of up to $1.5 million on ships made in China could backfire, harming both the global economy and the United States itself.

John Pang, a former Malaysian government official and senior fellow of the Belt and Road Initiative Caucus for Asia Pacific, described the move as “bizarre and gangster-like.” He believes that such measures will disrupt shipping efficiency around the world, including within the U.S., while China’s dominance in the shipbuilding sector remains unshaken.

“Penalizing vessels simply because they are made in China doesn’t make sense in a globally interconnected economy,” Pang said. “This action could lead to increased costs and delays in shipping, affecting businesses and consumers worldwide.”

The U.S. proposal aims to address concerns over dependency on foreign-made vessels, but critics argue that it could trigger retaliatory measures and escalate trade tensions.

“Instead of imposing fines, the U.S. should focus on investing in its own shipbuilding industry and engaging in fair competition,” Pang suggested. “Cooperation, not confrontation, is the key to economic growth.”

The shipping industry plays a crucial role in global trade, and any disruptions could have significant repercussions, especially for developing countries in the Global South that rely on maritime transport for their economies.

The proposal has yet to be finalized, but experts like Pang urge policymakers to consider the broader implications before taking action.

Reference(s):

Expert: U.S. port fee plan hurts both global economy and its own

cgtn.com