Beijing: Chinese media reported on Tuesday that China has officially begun imposing port fees on U.S. ships, in what is seen as part of Beijing’s countermeasures against Washington’s recent trade policies.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the new fees apply to ships owned or operated by American entities, as well as those built in the United States or flying the U.S. flag. The report noted that the list of exemptions includes ships constructed in China and empty vessels entering Chinese shipyards for maintenance or repairs.

Earlier, Beijing had imposed sanctions on five U.S. companies affiliated with Hanwha Ocean, a South Korean shipbuilding firm, following a trade investigation launched by Washington. The newly introduced port fees are viewed as part of China’s response to similar port duties that the United States is set to implement on China-linked vessels starting today.

In turn, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he would raise tariffs on Chinese imports to 100% beginning October 1, in reaction to Beijing’s decision. He also said his administration would impose new restrictions on the export of critical software to China, following increased limits on Chinese exports of rare earth minerals.