Trouble on the horizon for US box ship building

Tower crane producer Stafford cranes will build its first STS cranes in Portugal as it prepares to enter the US market.

US ports welcomed a crucial tariff exemption, saving them over US$ 130 million in unexpected costs on Chinese-made cranes.

Under new rules from the US Trade Representative, ship-to-shore cranes ordered before May 14, 2024, and arriving by May 14, 2026, will avoid a 25% tariff on imports from China.

The USTR has delayed its decision on tariffs for a few more days as ZPMC vessels with eight STS cranes sail to US ports.

Mitsui E&S outlines a further step in its plan to start “final assembly” of container cranes in the US.

The US Administration has delayed its final determination on new tariffs, including the 25% tariff on Chinese STS cranes.