The Indicator from Planet Money · Friday, July 17, 2026
President Trump proposed a 20% fee on cargo ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz on Truth Social, but the idea was quickly retracted by administration officials. The UN maritime agency stated there is no legal basis for such fees, reminding listeners of the established principles of freedom of navigation in international waters.
“This is the fee that never was.”
“And the UN maritime agency said this week that there is no legal basis for charging these kinds of fees or tolls.”
“So it evaporated almost as soon as it was proposed.”