Queues of commodity vessels at China’s ports have reached their longest levels this year, as new fees targeting US-linked ships intensify tensions between Beijing and Washington and disrupt global trade flows.

Data from ship-tracking platform Kpler shows that, in the week ending 19 October, vessels took an average of 2.66 days to reach a berth after arrival. This marks a 17% increase from the previous week and the highest waiting time recorded in 2025.

China, the world’s largest commodity importer, may face global supply chain disruptions if port congestion continues, affecting shipments of crude oil, iron ore, and other bulk and liquid cargoes.

The delays come after China imposed extra fees on vessels with US links, responding to similar measures by the United States. The US has also sanctioned Rizhao, a key oil terminal operator in eastern China, as part of efforts to stop crude shipments from Iran to China.

Some oil hubs are already experiencing extended waiting times. Tankers at Dongjiakou waited an average of 2.79 days, the second-longest in Kpler’s data, while vessels at Yantai idled for 2.7 days, up from around 1.8 days the previous week.

Freight analysts note that uncertainty over which vessels may face fees is prompting shipowners to hold back, waiting until they can safely enter ports under the new regulations.

Kpler added that waiting times could change as more data becomes available.

Reference: Bloomberg