Jun.23--Several container lines have planned general rate increases in multiple trade routes to take effect in July, although any gains achieved could be temporary as overcapacity and sluggish global demand continue.

　　According to a new Stifel survey, the overcapacity problem in the maritime market will not have a quick fix. Many had hoped that the P3 Network would help soak up excess capacity, but the recentcollapse of the mega-alliance will likely mean continued rate volatility, Stifel said.

　　A report recently released by Drewry shows many carriers are losing millions on international routes, while regional routes, particularly services between Asian countries, are tending to returnmuch more operating profit. No other regional market is growing faster than intra-Asia, Drewry said, and carriers such as Maersk Line, NYK Line, Hapag-Lloyd and Cosco Container Lines have expanded intra-Asia service in the last year. Four carriers have planned to launch a joint intra-Asia service at the end of June.

　　Asia-Europe

　　Beginning July 1, Maersk Line hopes to boost rates on cargo from the Far East, excluding Japan, to Europe:

　　For shipments to the Mediterranean, excluding Syria, the hike will be $550 per 20-foot container and $1,100 per 40-foot and 45-foot container. For shipments to Syria, the increase will be €400 per 20-foot container and €800 per 40-foot and 45-foot container.

　　For cargo to North Europe, the increase will be $575 per 20-foot container and $1,150 per 40-foot and 45-foot container.

　　On the same date, CMA CGM plans to hike rates on its trade from the Far East to North Europe, the Mediterranean, the Adriatic, the Black Sea and North Africa by $550 per TEU. For shipments to Syria, the hike will be €405 per TEU.

　　In the opposite direction, CMA CGM has plans to increase rates on shipments from the Black Sea to the Far East, Persian Gulf and Red Sea by $100 per container, effective July 1.

　　Asia-Latin America

　　Four carriers have planned rate hikes for July 15:

　　Hapag-Lloyd has plans to implement a rate increase of $500 per TEU on cargo from East Asia to Mexico and the west coasts of Central and South America.

　　Maersk intends to raise rates on shipments from the Far East to Ecuador; Mexico; Peru; Costa Rica; El Salvador; Guatemala; Honduras; Nicaragua; Bolivia; and Buenaventura, Colombia, by $500 per 20-foot container, $750 per 40-foot non-operating refrigerated container and $1,000 per 40-foot and 40-foot high-cube container.

　　Cosco aims to boost rates on shipments from the Far East to South America’s west coast and Mexico by $500 per 20-foot container and $1,000 per 40-foot and 40-foot high-cube container.

　　Hamburg Süd wants to increase rates on its trade from Asia to Mexico, Central America and the west coast of South America by $500 per 20-foot container, $750 per non-operated reefer container and $1,000 per 40-foot and 40-foot high-cube container. For shipments to the east coast of South America, the hike will be $750 per 20-foot container, $1,000 per 40-foot non-operated reefer container and $1,500 per 40-foot and 40-foot high-cube container.

　　Intra-Asia

　　Cosco has scheduled a rate increase of $200 per TEU on cargo from the Far East to the Persian Gulf, effective July 1.

　　Africa-Related Trade

　　Two carriers have planned rate increases for July 15:

　　CMA CGM intends to hike rates on shipments from Asia, including Japan, Southeast Asia and Bangladesh, to West Africa by $250 per TEU.

　　CMA CGM also wants to increase rates on cargo from the U.S. to sub-Saharan Africa and Indian Ocean islands by $150 per 20-foot and 40-foot container.

　　Maersk aims to increase rates on its trade from the Far East to West Africa by $250 per 20-foot container and $500 per 40-foot container.