Shandong Port Group has banned U.S.-sanctioned tankers from calling into its ports in the eastern Chinese province, home to many independent refiners that are the biggest importers of oil from countries under U.

A major Chinese terminals group has banned US-sanctioned vessels from calling at its ports. Notices obtained by traders and seen by Reuters forbid Shandong Port Group’s (SPG) staff from berthing, unloading or providing services to ships on the US sanctions list.

Shandong Port Group issued a notice on Monday banning U.S.-sanctioned oil vessels from calling into its ports on China's east coast, three traders said. The move comes weeks after Washington imposed further sanctions on companies and ships that deal with Iranian oil and could slow shipments to China,