Container charges between Asia and North America will increase largely next year due to cost increase of domestic products to be exported to the United States. 

According to the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (TSA), which is composed of 14 shipping agents that operates through the Pacific Ocean including Hanjin Shipping Co., Ltd., starting from next year, 40 ft. containers departing from Asia and heading for the eastern port or the inland of the US will be charged $600 more per container and surcharges levied during the high-demand season, from June 15 till late October, an increase of $400 will be charged. 

The TSA has already increased Asia-North America service charges by $700 in May and increased high-demand season surcharges by $300 starting from June 15. Current shipping expenses have increased about $1,000 compared to the beginning of the year. 
(Omitted) 

Source : KOTRA, Oct. 9, 2003