STOCKHOLM, Nov 5 (Reuters) - Automakers transporting

their cars to the U.S. could face $200 to $300 per vehicle in

additional costs, the CEO of car carrier Wallenius Wilhelmsen ( WAWIF )

told Reuters on Wednesday, as the company seeks to

pass on new U.S. port fees to customers.

Higher-than-expected U.S. port fees on foreign-built ships

took effect in mid-October as part of a trade dispute between

China and the U.S. That prompted Wallenius Wilhelmsen ( WAWIF ), which

operates "roll-on/roll-off" carriers that ship cars and heavy

machinery worldwide, to withdraw its financial outlook.

"We're clear that this bill is an additional cost we've been

given and that we need to pass on to our customers," Chief

Executive Lasse Kristoffersen said.

A late-October agreement between U.S. President Donald Trump

and Chinese President Xi Jinping granted a 12-month reprieve

from the tit-for-tat fees on each other's ships, delaying

changes that could cost shipping companies millions of dollars

and disrupt vessel schedules.

But Wallenius said on Wednesday it was still unclear whether

the suspension covers port fees for roll-on/roll-off carriers,

and warned that its total cost exposure for the fourth quarter

could reach about $100 million before mitigation measures and

customer compensation.