Posted: Wednesday, April 23, 2025. 5:02 pm CST.
Photo Credit: Seaboard Marine
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Seaboard Marine has announced that the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has exempted the company’s Chinese-built vessels from the proposed Section 301 port call fees, avoiding potential surcharges of up to $1,000,000 per United States port call. Tropical Shipping, another carrier operating in Belize, was also granted a similar exemption.
“This outcome is significant for our customers, communities, and partners across the Americas and the Caribbean,” Seaboard Marine stated, highlighting the relief this decision brings to regional trade.
“The proposed policy would have added up to $1,000,000 per U.S. port call, threatening to disrupt trade and the movement of essential goods. Thanks to strong regional engagement, the USTR recognized the need to safeguard the critical flow of commerce by exempting vessels operated by carriers like Seaboard Marine.”
The exemption follows strong engagement from industry stakeholders, with Seaboard Marine crediting customers, business associations, and regional leaders who petitioned officials.
“Your voices made a difference,” the company said, acknowledging that the USTR recognized the widespread support for protecting vital trade links throughout the hemisphere.
Seaboard Marine emphasized that the exemption reflects “the strength of our U.S. ownership and our longstanding commitment to maritime commerce.” With over four decades of industry experience and operations spanning multiple United States ports, Seaboard Marine said the company remains a critical bridge between the United States and its trading partners in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Moving forward, Seaboard Marine stated it remains committed to reliable service and will continue working with officials and stakeholders to support policies that promote United States industrial priorities and economic stability in the Western Hemisphere.
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The post Seaboard Marine exempted from proposed multi-million dollar US port call fees appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Wednesday, April 23, 2025. 5:02 pm CST. Photo Credit: Seaboard Marine By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Seaboard Marine has announced that the United States Trade Representative (USTR)
The post Seaboard Marine exempted from proposed multi-million dollar US port call fees appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.