On trade policy, USTR's Section 301 port fees on Chinese ships are suspended, and USTR proposed on 26 October 2026 to extend the suspension through 9 January 2027.
Why this market is moving now
- The Section 301 maritime actions are suspended, and USTR proposed on 26 October 2026 to extend the suspension to 9 January 2027.
- Naval shipbuilders' order books are large and growing: Huntington Ingalls backlog rose from $53.1 billion to $57.3 billion in six months.
- Tariffs of 100 percent on Chinese ship-to-shore cranes were set in October 2025.
Key figures
Each figure names the source it came from. Open the source list below to read the quoted line.
| Figure | Value | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Dynamics Marine Systems had $65.2 billion of total backlog on 5 July 2026, with a total estimated contract value of $72.6 billion. | 65.2 billion USD | 2026 | General Dynamics |
| Huntington Ingalls Industries had $57.3 billion of total backlog on 30 June 2026, up from $53.1 billion at the end of 2025. | 57.3 billion USD | 2026 | Huntington Ingalls Industries |
| Huntington Ingalls won about $10.7 billion of new contract awards in the first six months of 2026, mainly at Newport News and Ingalls. | 10.7 billion USD | 2026 | Huntington Ingalls Industries |
| Huntington Ingalls employs over 44,000 people and calls itself America's largest shipbuilder. | 44,000 employees | 2025 | Huntington Ingalls Industries |
| USTR's determination that China's targeting of the maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors is actionable under Section 301 was published in the Federal Register on 23 January 2025. | 23 Jan 2025 Federal Register publication date | 2025 | Office of the U.S. Trade Representative |
| In October 2025 USTR set additional duties of 100 percent on ship-to-shore cranes and on certain cargo handling equipment of China. | 100 % additional duty | 2025 | Office of the U.S. Trade Representative |
| USTR suspended the Section 301 maritime responsive actions for one year beginning 10 November 2025, after a US-China trade deal announced on 1 November 2025. | 1 year of suspension from 10 Nov 2025 | 2025 | Office of the U.S. Trade Representative |
| On 26 October 2026 USTR proposed to extend the suspension by two months, through 9 January 2027, and opened a comment period. | 9 Jan 2027 proposed suspension end date | 2026 | Office of the U.S. Trade Representative |
Sources and method
The figures on this page come from the public sources listed below. Read how we work.
- General Dynamics: Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 5, 2026 (2026-07-29)
Quoted lines
- Figure 1
Marine Systems 42,356 22,826 65,182 7,442 72,624
- Figure 1
- Huntington Ingalls Industries: Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 (2026-07-30)
Quoted lines
- Figure 2
Total backlog as of June 30, 2026, and December 31, 2025, was $57.3 billion and $53.1 billion, respectively.
- Figure 3
The value of new contract awards during the six months ended June 30, 2026, was approximately $10.7 billion
- Figure 2
- Huntington Ingalls Industries: Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 (2026-02-05)
Quoted lines
- Figure 4
we employ over 44,000 people domestically and internationally.
- Figure 4
- Office of the U.S. Trade Representative: Notice of Determination Pursuant to Section 301: China's Targeting of the Maritime, Logistics, and Shipbuilding Sectors for Dominance (2025-01-23)
Quoted lines
- Figure 5
Federal Register Volume 90, Number 14 (Thursday, January 23, 2025)
- Figure 5
- Office of the U.S. Trade Representative: Notice of Modification and Proposed Modification of Section 301 Action: China's Targeting of the Maritime, Logistics, and Shipbuilding Sectors for Dominance (2025-10-16)
Quoted lines
- Figure 6
imposing additional duties of 100 percent on ship-to-shore (STS) cranes and duties of 100 percent on certain cargo handling equipment of China
- Figure 6
- Office of the U.S. Trade Representative: Notice of Modification of Section 301 Action: China's Targeting of the Maritime, Logistics, and Shipbuilding Sectors for Dominance (2025-11-13)
Quoted lines
- Figure 7
is suspending for one year, beginning on November 10, 2025, the responsive actions taken in this investigation.
- Figure 7
- Office of the U.S. Trade Representative: Request for Comments on Further Suspension of Section 301 Action: China's Targeting of the Maritime, Logistics, and Shipbuilding Sectors for Dominance (2026-10-26)
Quoted lines
- Figure 8
to further suspend that action for two months, through January 9, 2027.
- Figure 8
Companies to watch
General Dynamics (Marine Systems)
Marine Systems had $65.2 billion of backlog on 5 July 2026.
Huntington Ingalls Industries
Operates Ingalls Shipbuilding and Newport News Shipbuilding; backlog $57.3 billion on 30 June 2026.
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the United States market - 03Market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 05Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 06Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 07Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 08Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 09Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 10Method and sources
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Frequently asked questions
How big is the US naval shipbuilding order book?
General Dynamics Marine Systems reported $65.2 billion of backlog on 5 July 2026. Huntington Ingalls reported $57.3 billion on 30 June 2026.
What are the USTR port fees on Chinese ships?
USTR's Section 301 maritime action was suspended for one year from 10 November 2025 after a US-China deal. On 26 October 2026 USTR proposed extending the suspension through 9 January 2027.
What tariff applies to Chinese ship-to-shore cranes?
In October 2025 USTR set additional duties of 100 percent on ship-to-shore cranes and certain cargo handling equipment of China under Section 301.
Who are the largest US shipbuilders?
Huntington Ingalls calls itself America's largest shipbuilder and employs over 44,000 people. General Dynamics Marine Systems has the larger reported backlog.
How much new work did Huntington Ingalls win in 2026?
Huntington Ingalls reported about $10.7 billion of new contract awards in the first six months of 2026.
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