AmericanHort joined over 160 associations in calling on the U.S. Trade Representative to withdraw the proposed port fee on Chinese-built vessels, warning it would raise shipping costs, reduce service to smaller ports, and disrupt supply chains. While we support efforts to counter China’s maritime ambitions, we believe this fee would harm U.S. horticultural businesses and consumers without achieving its intended goals. Instead, we advocate for a long-term strategy to strengthen domestic shipbuilding through investment and public-private collaboration.