New Zealand's fresh produce exporters have expressed concern at potentially widespread increases in shipping rates for reefer containers, following Maersk's announcement in September that it is to raise rates next year by 30 per cent.
In the wake of the Maersk announcement, which CEO Soren Skou put down to low profitability and a 'very bleak' market outlook, it is widely expected that several other shipping companies will increase their rates by a similar amount.
These increases could result in New Zealand's exporters paying some US$750 more for 20ft reefers and US$1,500 more for 40ft reefers, weighing heavily on existing transport costs, stuff.co.nz reported.
Greg Stead of the New Zealand Shippers Council told the publication that while the increases would not impact on those exporters with contracts, many other industries could be hit.
