Trans-Pacific Stabilisation Agreement (TSA) members have endorsed three new charges for Asia-US trade to allow recovery of extraordinary costs and ensure reliable and sustained service. The charges recognise container volume changes in the eastbound trans-Pacific trade, severe equipment imbalances, operational difficulties likely for all-water carriers transiting the Panama Canal in coming months, and continued high costs for using the Suez Canal. The lines also endorsed a peak-season surcharge of US$100 per 40 foot container, effective from June 1 to October 31, from all points of origin except Japan. It will apply to all tariff cargo and to cargo moving under service contracts or time-volume rates which take effect on or after June 1. A temporary Panama Canal charge of $75 per 40 ft container, with proportionate levels for other cargo, is effective from May 1 to October 31, for all Asian origin points. The fee has been imposed following notification from the Panama Canal Commission that water levels in the canal will be reduced from 39.5 ft to 34 ft due to drought. The third fee is a Suez Canal transit fee of $60 per 20 ft container - rising to $120 for all other equipment sizes, effective from May 1 - for Asia and Indian origin ports.