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Chinese shipyard and owners’ associations blast US shipbuilding investigationChinese shipyard and owners’ associations blast US shipbuilding investigation

The China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry (CANSI) and China Shipowner Association (CSA) describe US investigation into shipbuilding sector as “irresponsible” and “full of lies”.

Katherine Si, China Correspondent

January 20, 2025

2 Min Read
Credit: Zhejiang East Coast Shipbuilding

CANSI and CSA have released statements responding to the latest US Section 301 investigation results which were released last week claiming China’s shipbuilding policies undermined fair, market orientated competition and impacted the opportunities of US workers.

The US Trade Representative has issued findings in the Section 301 investigation of China targeting the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors for dominance, concluding that China’s targeted dominance in these sectors is unreasonable and burdens or restricts U.S. commerce, and is therefore “actionable” under Section 301. 

Cansi said, “[the] Biden government has launched the irresponsible 301 investigation towards China’s maritime, logistics and shipbuilding industries, based on wrong investigation ended with incorrect conclusions full of lies and distortion of facts, which are groundless accusations to China shipbuilding industry’s development, we expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to it.

“Development of China’s shipbuilding industry strictly follows the international trading rules and is the result of collaboration with global partners, as well as the tech innovation, and the hard-wording and excellent performances of Chinese industry players”, stated the association.

Related:US wakes up to China’s shipbuilding dominance

“We expect the US Trade Representative can correct the wrong behavior promptly and do not bring more damages to global maritime industry,” continued the association. 

Additionally, shipowner association CSA also took a firm stand against the US’s 301 investigation results. 

“Representing the Chinese shipping industry, the Association does not recognizse the results of US 301 investigation, we hope US can treat all parties involved in global maritime industry fairly and provide a stable policy environment to global industry chain, but not disturb the shipping market order and raise logistics costs via offensive unilateral actions,” the association said in the statement.

“Biden administration's initiation of the Section 301 probes into China's maritime, logistics and shipbuilding industries is a serious violation of WTO rules and represents outright protectionism. China strongly deplores and firmly opposes such actions, and has reiterated its position on the matter many times,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at the press briefing.

“Various US studies show that the US shipbuilding industry lost its competitive advantage many years ago due to over-protection,” Guo added.

Chinese shipbuilding industry has maintained strong growth in recent years. The Chinese shipyards had bagged over 70% of global newbuilding orders in 2024, secured the leading position in the market. 

Related:Chinese shipyards booked 74% of all newbuilding orders in 2024

Any action in relation the investigation report would be by the incoming administration of Donald Trump which already has Chinese trade in its sights with increased tariffs.

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About the Author

Katherine Si

China Correspondent

China-based Katherine Si has worked in the maritime industry since 2008 is well-connected with local industry players including Chinese owners and yards.

Having majored in English Katherine started at news portal ShippingChina.com where she rose to become a News Editor. In 2008 she moved to work with Seatrade and has since held numerous positions including China correspondent for Seatrade Maritime Review magazine.

With extensive experience in writing, research and social media promotion, Katherine focuses on the shipping and transport sectors.

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