Global shipping costs will increase should Washington impose charges on Chinese made vessels entering U.S. ports, He Yadong, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday, adding that the measure would also push up inflation in the U.S.
He told reporters China will closely monitor U.S. moves and take all necessary measures to defend its own rights and interests, He added.
Global and China shipping rates are set to continue falling this year as the persistent oversupply of transport and trade tensions weigh on global trade, but sudden policy changes present an upside risk, local analysts told MNI. (See MNI: Trade Friction To Weigh On China Shipping Rates)