Hong Kong and Southeast Asian shippers have lashed out at international shipping lines over increases in freight rates, accusing them of abuse of power.
Regional shippers' councils, meeting in Singapore this week, united to demand legislation requiring international carriers to consult shippers before imposing further rate increases. They also want to be given more notice.
'Carriers should not be abusing their dominant position at a time when shippers are already suffering as a result of the economic downturn,' said a statement at the close of the Federation of Asean Shippers' Councils (Fasc).
While Hong Kong is not part of Asean, Hong Kong Shippers' Council executive director Clement Yeung attended the summit and strongly endorsed both calls.
Freight rates and surcharges set by shipping lines for exports out of Asia have risen almost 100 per cent in some parts of the region this year.
Charges between Hong Kong and Europe, for instance, which is the SAR's bread-and-butter business, have risen since January from US$400 to $1,000 per teu (20 ft equivalent units).
