The International Association of Shipowners and Operators International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), while supporting the objectives to revitalize and expand the shipbuilding and maritime capacity in the United States United States as indicated by America's Maritime Action Plan presented by the U.S. Government ( of 16 February 2026), however, expressed its opposition with respect to any proposal for port fees, "including - he specified the ICS in a note - the proposal for a universal tax for infrastructure or safety on commercial ships built abroad that dock in U.S. ports" which would be introduced in implementation of the US plan.

According to the association, "the imposition of taxes based on the weight of imported tonnage, to levels ranging from one hundredth per kilogram to 25 cents per kilogram, would represent a significant additional burden for maritime transport. These measures - specified the ICS - risk distorting trade increase costs for consumers and businesses disrupt the smooth flow of global trade and encourage retaliatory measures."

Expressing the firm conviction "that transport maritime trade can manage trade freely, in a way that efficient and without unnecessary barriers", the association has noted that 'the global nature of maritime transport requires carefully coordinated policy solutions that avoid Unintended consequences for supply chains and stability economic ".