APL raises freight rates in Asia-Europe trade

Container shipping provider APL announced its intention to raise freight rates in the Asia-Europe trade. The latest move follows an initiative announced in February 2009.

For the eastbound Europe to Asia leg a per-container rise of US$100 will be placed on scrap commodities such as paper, and implemented on June 1st, 2009.

In the Westbound Asia to Europe trade lane there will be a rise of US$300 per TEU for all freight to the Mediterranean and North Europe, which will come into effect on June 15th and July 1st 2009, respectively.

APL Vice President for the Asia-Europe Trade, Detlev Kerber, said, espite the relative success of initiatives we implemented earlier this year, rates in the Asia-Europe trade are not even close to sustainable levels. We will be doing everything possible to ensure the latest rises are upheld.