The United States' Federal Maritime Commission could decide next week whether to penalise Japan for its alleged unfair port practices, a Japanese agency reports.

The commission would consider on Thursday if it should impose US$100,000 in surcharges on every US port call by three Japanese shipping firms, Jiji Press reported. The three are Nippon Yusen KK Co, Mitsui OSK Lines and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha.